Johannesburg – They were the heartbeat of the Lions a year ago, but it will count for nothing when the 2017 Super Rugby season kicks off in two weeks’ time.
Faf de Klerk and Elton Jantjies – the exciting and formidable 9-10 combination in Johan Ackermann’s team – both went on to play regularly for the Springboks last year, but neither really grabbed the opportunity afforded them in what was a difficult and trying year for the national team.
Both men, so comfortable alongside each other, and devastating, in Lions colours, struggled to make the same kind of impact on the international stage and it’s fair to say De Klerk and Jantjies ended the Test season with many, including themselves no doubt, questioning their ability to play at the highest level.
Their form dipped significantly when they pulled the Bok jersey over their shoulders, leaving Ackermann hoping they will both quickly be back into their stride this year. De Klerk, for one, believes the travails at Bok level last year made him a better player and he’s not worried one bit about his form or confidence going into the new Super Rugby season.
“I learnt a heck of a lot last season ... both at Super Rugby level and while playing for the Boks,” said national newcomer De Klerk.
“We were constantly under pressure in the Bok set-up last year so I now know how to deal with those pressure-filled situations a little better. And, I mean the stress you’re under on and off the field, especially in the build-up to a game.
“I think my game grew throughout last season. I believe my management of a game is better going into the 2017 season and that means I’ll make better decisions.”
Jantjies, too, said he’d learnt much about himself over the past 12 months. “Look, there are huge expectations on us as a squad this year, but all the players, especially those who played for the Boks last year, will be more experienced this year and I’m sure they’ll all want to step it up. They have a responsibility to do so.”
De Klerk, on whom Ackermann will again rely heavily as the Lions look to back up their run to the final last year with an equally good showing this time round, said he’d look to play the same kind of attacking rugby fans are used to.
“My mindset hasn’t changed since turning out for the Boks. The fans can expect the same type of rugby from the team ... the culture hasn’t changed and we’re going to give it our best, as we always do.”
De Klerk added the negativity that surrounded him and the Boks in the latter stages of last year was now very much in the past. “I spoke to Elton the other day when he got back from Japan and he said it was nice to be home.
“That’s exactly what this place here at the Lions is ... home. The vibe is great and we’re really a happy family. Everyone’s just slotted right back in and there’s a feeling of comfort among everyone.”
Jantjies, who not only performed well in attack and defence last year but also kicked well at goal, will be under a little more pressure this year following his battles in the Bok jersey and the fact that Pat Lambie and Handré Pollard will also have their eyes on the Bok No 10 shirt.
“I think there’s a lot of trust in this Lions team now, a belief that is stronger than ever,” said the flyhalf. “But we know we all have to train harder, be faster, make decisions more quickly ... those are the keys to staying ahead.”
The Lions completed their pre-season warm-up schedule yesterday with a 40-57 friendly loss against the Stormers, and now all that remains is for Ackerman and Co to tweak a few things and then it’s go, go, go.
There are massive expectations for the Lions to repeat their offering of a year ago and why not? After all, as De Klerk and Jantjies explain, the Lions are a stronger, more experienced team this time around. And, every one of those men who donned the green and gold last year will want to make sure they weren’t one-hit wonders.