Will the Lions be boosted by Elton Jantjies’ century?

Lions flyhalf Elton Jantjies will reach a special milestone in their Super Rugby match against the Brumbies this weekend at Ellis Park.

The 27-year-old Jantjies will run out in his 100th Super Rugby game for the Lions – the first Lions player to do so – after making his debut as a 20-year-old in 2011 undercurrent Bulls coach and former Lions mentor John Mitchell.

While Jantjies, who has 23 Bok caps, in fact already played his 100th Super Rugby game in last year’s final against the Crusaders at Ellis Park, a total of 87 of those were for the Lions and 13 for the Stormers, for whom he played for while on loan in 2013 when the Lions briefly lost their Super Rugby status.

But of more importance is for the Lions to get back on the winning trail after losing their last three matches on their Australasian tour.

And when looking at the stats of last weekend’s 39-27 loss to the Highlanders in Dunedin the Lions weren’t as poor as it is being made out.

The Lions made 129 runs against the Highlanders’ 152, while when it comes to metres run the Lions recorded 553 against 579 and also managed to make 17 clean breaks against 16.

The Lions made 126 tackles against the 132 of the Kiwis, while both teams missed 34 tackles.

The Lions made 10 turnover/knock-on errors against seven, enjoyed 47% territory against 53%, and when it comes to possession it was even at 50% each.

While there’s doubt over lock Andries Ferreira who possibly aggravated a back injury last weekend, scrumhalf Ross Cronje could return after missing the tour with a rib and later a knee niggle.

Injured captain Warren Whiteley’s knee injury is taking longer to overcome and he might have to miss both the Lions’ two games before the June Test window.

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