Jantjies and Patrick Lambie of the Sharks marshalled the Springbok backline in 2016, in what was also the side’s worst season to date with just 4 wins from their 12 Tests.

The return of the Bulls pivot, Handré Pollard, from injury will make earning the number 10 jersey this season much tougher.

While Jantjies welcomes the competition, he says first and foremost he is a team player and puts that above personal accolades.

“I’m not an individual kind of player, I’ve been saying that since I started my senior rugby career,” said Jantjies.

“It’s all about making sure that whatever I do I do it well and the also making sure that I do whatever the team expects from me.

“Be willing to do more on and off the field; be willing to develop younger players and; be willing to listen to other individuals and just taking responsibility his important to me.

The Lions kick-off their Super Rugby campaign next week Saturday when they travel to Bloemfontein to face the Toyota Cheetahs.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport