Lions stand-in captain Malcolm Marx says the players have stood behind Elton Jantjies after the flyhalf was dropped before the match against the Stormers on Saturday.

Jantjies was left out of the matchday squad for Saturday’s game at Ellis Park for ‘breaching team protocol’. The Lions went on to win the match 41-22 with Shaun Reynolds playing in the No 10 jersey.

While the Lions remained tight-lipped around what exactly happened, there were suggestions the Springbok did not follow team orders in last weekend’s loss against the Sharks in Durban.

Speaking after Saturday’s win, Marx said he is happy with the way the situation has been handled.

‘It was handled internally. It was handled pretty well in my opinion. As the players we stood behind him [Jantjies] and also backed the next guy that was coming in as well. Shaun did very very well tonight.’

Lions coach Swys de Bruin added that he was very chuffed with Reynolds’ performance given the circumstances of his starting role.

‘Can you imagine the pressure on him?’ De Bruin said. ‘Being asked to fill in a Springboks’ shoes, so I am proud of him. He did well.’

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