John Mitchell wants to develop another top-class Jantjies
The Blue Bulls mentor made Elton a Springbok. Now he wants to give that chance to younger brother Tony too.
Tony Jantjies has his faults, but John Mitchell wants to look past that. Photo: Johan Rynners/Gallo Images.
When Tony Jantjies suffered the embarrassment of having two conversions right in front of the post charged down last weekend, but it hasn’t cost him.
Instead, the Blue Bulls flyhalf has become one of the first beneficiaries of John Mitchell’s new man management philosophy.
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“Kicking is important but does it really win matches,” the union’s director of rugby asked on Wednesday.
“These days you’ve got to have the mindset and intent to score five points instead of two or three.”
That would seem to absolve the 25-year-old younger brother of Springboks pivot, Elton, of blame for last weekend’s agonising 40-41 Currie Cup loss to Free State.
But Mitchell, who this week took over as head coach for the remainder of the tournament, hopes Jantjies adapts in future.
“I’m sure Tony will opt for a little bit more depth the next time he kicks from that position,” he said.
“He needs to be closer to the posts. It’s all part of the learning experience.”
The former Junior Springbok hasn’t really followed in his elder sibling’s footsteps, possibly because of his decision to stay at Loftus.
He has been behind in the pecking order for some time and hasn’t always enjoyed much game time.
Predictably, it’s led to inconsistency.
Mitchell – who moulded Elton into an international player – is quite keen on developing Tony.
“Tony is actually playing the game with tremendous enthusiasm and speed,” said the Bulls mentor.
Much like Elton in his earlier years, however, Tony still lacks the ability to adapt seamlessly to different match situations.
“He just probably needs to understand that there are times in the game where you’ve got to be a bit smarter when the game becomes slower,” said Mitchell.
“That’s just part of the learning curve of becoming a top-class flyhalf. You have to learn to manage the game when you’re under pressure. It’s just as important as dealing well when your team is on the front foot.”
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