30 seconds with Lions flyhalf Elton Jantjies

My father is in the army so we were transferred every second year. From Graaff-Reinet we moved to Cape Town where we stayed for 11 years, and then he was transferred to Pretoria.

Take us through your junior rugby history.

In Grade 10 I played Craven Week under-16, the next year I played for the school's first team and the provincial under-19 side. In Grade 12 I played first team, Craven Week and SA Schools, and for the Lions' under-21 side. In my first year for the union I played for the under-21s and went to the SA under-20 trials and got injured. This year I was in the Super 14 squad and played for the SA under-20s.

Have you always played at flyhalf?

I've been a flyhalf since Grade 8. When I played for the union's under-19 and under-21 sides I played fullback because I was still a bit young, but they wanted me in their structures. After that I specialised at flyhalf.

Who were your heroes growing up?

I've always looked up to (former All Black flyhalf) Carlos (Spencer), who's here. My father (Thomas) also plays a huge role in my life.

How do you feel about being selected so early for the Lions?

It's been nice because it's a new coach and he loves his youngsters and he backs us a lot, so that makes us calm. The senior guys have also been very good and they don't put a lot of pressure on us when we make mistakes.

A lot has been made of Spencer being your coach in the backline?

I've learnt how to adapt to the senior structure as a young player and how to play at this level. You're not going to have a great game every weekend, so he helps with things like how you respond to having an average game and how you maintain playing good rugby when you have a dip in your game. A lot of what he does with me is the mental aspect.

What have been your best games so far?

They were probably the games against the Bulls, the Cheetahs and Western Province.

Does all this talk about you playing for the Springboks worry you?

It's one of my goals but I don't focus on that.

What was your favourite subject at school?

(Laughs) My favourite subject at school? I didn't have one.

What would you have been if not a rugby player?

I would probably have focused more on my studies, maybe start my own business. I don't know what kind of business though.

How many attempts did it take for you to pass your driver's licence?

I'm going for it on Wednesday.

What's the best book you've ever read?

Captain's Diary by Graeme Smith.