Jantjies brings new dimension

Jaco in my opinion is a natural fullback

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee is relishing the prospect of welcoming Springbok flyhalf Elton Jantjies into the squad ahead of the 2013 Super Rugby season.

The 22-year-old tops the list of new signings by the Cape Town franchise that includes fellow Springboks Jaco Taute and Pat Cilliers, as well as Lions utility forward Michael Rhodes.

Coetzee said they are eager to introduce Jantjies, who made his Springbok debut in the 31-8 win over the Wallabies in Pretoria in September, to their structures to ensure he hits the ground running in Cape Town.

“Elton is a special player and I have no doubt that he’ll make a huge contribution to our campaign next year,” Coetzee said of a player known for his ability as an attacking flyhalf.

"I know what Elton offers and it's our job to make sure that he fits into the rugby culture here in Cape Town.

"We have to make sure he settles down as soon as possible."

Coetzee said the multi-skilled Jantjies will bring a new dimension to the team.

"Elton will start the conditioning programme in mid-December and then he'll get acquainted with our playing systems.

"He's an exciting prospect in terms of how we want to play next season."

Although Coetzee said it was “too early” to reveal whether he would play Taute - who like Jantjies, will join the Stormers on loan from the Lions - at fullback or centre, he did say that he regarded him as a No.15.

“Jaco in my opinion is a natural fullback and it’s great to have three players - Jaco, Joe [Pietersen] and Gio [Aplon] - of such a high calibre in the squad.”