Supporting Steyn
10 Feb 2009
Frans Steyn needs to be backed. It’s a plea more than a command, and one shared by the vast majority in the South African rugby fraternity.
He is an exceptional talent and has proven this at Super 14 and Test level, where he shone on the biggest stage of all, the World Cup. The fact that he was 20 years old and playing in a position unfamiliar to him bears testament to what a special talent we’ve produced.
However, 2008 saw him dabble in mediocrity. There were outstanding performances, particularly in the Currie Cup, to remind his critics of his class. But there can be no denying that he regressed from the heights of 2007. Mitigating factors there are aplenty, the primary one being the failure of his coaches to settle on a set position for him.
That problem seems to be alleviated, with Sharks coach John Plumtree confirming that Steyn is set for an extended run at inside centre. Now it’s time to back the boy. That’s the rallying cry from SA Rugby magazine’s panel of experts – Alan Solomons, Murray Mexted, Eddie Jones and John Plumtree.
All believe Steyn to be a rare talent capable of dominating the game in a manner few have if he’s given the right support structures, time to settle and freedom to express himself. In the new issue of SA Rugby magazine, on sale Wednesday, they explain what’s gone wrong in the past and plot the way forward for the best young buck to emerge in the past decade.
Also in the new issue:
– A schoolboy sensation for Bishops, Nick Koster was always destined for greatness. Expect him to live up to the hype.
– USA Eagles captain Todd Clever turned down a lucrative offer with a European club to play Super 14 rugby for the Lions. The flanker talks about that crucial decision, learning Afrikaans, his new nickname and what it’s like to live in Johannesburg.
– Meyer Bosman on playing flyhalf for the Cheetahs, the team’s defensive problems, injury setbacks, and what he loves about Bloemfontein.
– Ex-flanker Derick Kuün believes 2009 will be his breakthrough season at hooker.
– New Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder on why his understanding of the team’s culture offsets his lack of coaching experience, whether he’ll be speaking to Robbie Deans during the Super 14, what he will do differently from Deans, the massive loss of Dan Carter and the ELVs.
– When the Queensland Reds poached All Blacks flank Daniel Braid from the Auckland-based Blues, it ushered in a new era of Super Rugby.
– Joe van Niekerk reveals how his playboy lifestyle affected his rugby career and insists he’s not the same person he was 18 months ago. But is this change we can believe in?
– Injury-prone England flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson has gone from tortured soul to enlightened being with help from mentor Steve Black.
– Wales No 8 Andy Powell wouldn’t be playing rugby today if it wasn’t for Springbok selector Ian McIntosh.
– The budding relationship between the Stormers and English club Saracens is bound to reap mutual benefit in years to come.
– Robert Ebersohn has no regrets about picking sevens over Super Rugby. The 20-year-old explains why he enjoys working with coach Paul Treu, why the Boks will win the Sevens World Cup in Dubai, and his thoughts on South African Mat Turner playing for the England Sevens side.
To subscribe to SA Rugby magazine click on the subs link on keo.co.za or phone (021) 416-0141
796 Comments
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10 Feb 2009, 19:41 pm
# Cuito Carnivale: who is J P ?
10 Feb 2009, 19:42 pm
# Cuito Carnivale: 546 Not sure what you mean by the old v new Cuba. Old = pre-Castro? I think the Miami Cuban community may be surprised. It’s gonna be difficult to turn the clock back. Whole generations have grown up under the Castro regime. They will resent exile Cuban community coming back & trying to restore previous ownerships, control, etc? Besides think Raoul will be around for a while. I do think Obama needs to re-think US policy re Cuba. It’s been counterproductive for almost 50 years.
10 Feb 2009, 19:44 pm
# JimT: If he is injured for the whole season he will still be in the bok team…at least FDP understands that…they have bok contracts and can therefore select the games they want to play…got to give it to FDP…clever schemer
10 Feb 2009, 19:44 pm
# Cuito Carnivale: 550 – Yeah but JP is now one of the best wings in the world. Lets be honest here Steyn in the wc had to just slot into inside centre and he done very well there. Lets judge him after he has been given a chance at one position all season. Most of the players have played in their position all season. Steyn has had to slot in all over the show. Give this youngster a break. It seems even the overseas clubs can see his huge talent otherwise would never have got such a huge offer. I for one am pleased he is in the Sharks team. Don’t judge him this Saturday not fair but after a season in one postion. JdV has had many seasons there. Now lets be fair mate. FS is pure class. Just watch this season. Just hope he does not pick up any injury.
10 Feb 2009, 19:45 pm
# grant10: Petersen
10 Feb 2009, 19:46 pm
# grant10: 551- Hi Grant10. Got those box tickets close at hand for Saturday?
Don’t what to hear anymore wailing & gnashing of teeth this weekend. LOL
10 Feb 2009, 19:47 pm
# grant10: 551 – lol. Even I made the mistake on post 554. Think we have been watching too much cricket with JP there. JPP I meant. Not sure about CC who he meant. Think it was the same.
10 Feb 2009, 19:48 pm
# JimT: Old cuba…old cars…architecture…salsa bars… New Cuba…new cars..kareoke bars…sol kersner Resorts
10 Feb 2009, 19:48 pm
# Puma: ok ..so jp is J P pietersen…great wing…cant kick out of hand at all…in fact i dont think i have seen a more limited punter of a ball!! Frans Steyn needs a fair crack at 12…dont knock the oke because he is fair haired and blue eyed …so sick of all that **** man! We so past that rubbish …lets revel in the fact we are witnessing wonderful talent and have depth…
10 Feb 2009, 19:49 pm
# Puma: 554 – I agree mostly with what you have said. He has talent but a little premature to say he has class yet. Let’s give the guy a chance to prove that. 1st at S14 level then at test level.
10 Feb 2009, 19:50 pm
# JimT: picking up the box tickets at 14 hoo tomorrow…going to be a full house! Will be special….2 crack outfits…i have Stormers by 2 !
10 Feb 2009, 19:52 pm
# JimT: he already proved it at world cup final level…ask the poms!!
10 Feb 2009, 19:52 pm
# Cuito Carnivale: 558 – Maybe I like the “old” Cuba better
Easy for me to say, I don’t live there. One thing being a tourist quite another thing being a resident.
10 Feb 2009, 19:53 pm
# grant10: 559 – JPP is a great tackler though. Covers well also makes a lot of breaks.
I am the same as you grant10 cant understand why everyone is bashing F. Steyn. Check all my posts I for one have supported him in all my posts. Cant understand why people keep bashing this youngster. Has huge, huge talent. Just watch how well he will play after playing 12 for the whole season at the Sharks. Maybe some will shut up and take note of the magnificent talent we have in Steyn. I for one just damn plesed this youngster is in our Sharks team. Also just look how well he played in the wc. Was only 20 then. Fearless too. I rate him very highly.
10 Feb 2009, 19:54 pm
# Puma: plesed = pleased
10 Feb 2009, 19:55 pm
# grant10: 562 – agree 110%
10 Feb 2009, 19:56 pm
# Puma: I hate it when you say give him a chance….he has been given chance in every position rather than shoved around..Generally when you F-up you get dropped but he gets moved to another position…and then he get a bok contract on the bases that he has played in all those positions…utility player my arse…squanderer more like it.
10 Feb 2009, 19:56 pm
# grant10: 561 – better go pick ‘em up early. You never know what happen, he, he. Don’t want to jinx you, but ….. LOL
Stormers by 2? So you figure it’s going to be a close game. Surely at this stage there will be plenty of errors so that one side or the other will have a wider margin?
10 Feb 2009, 19:57 pm
# Puma:yes…j p p is a class act…really enjoy him…the sharks have talent all over the park…i was at newlans when we were losing to the aussies…we brought on steyn and 2 remarkable drop kicks later we won! We are so quick to forget as saffas,,,i hope these player bashers will admit there mistakes when steyn produces…..as he will do?
10 Feb 2009, 19:59 pm
# JimT: these 2 teams will be so up for it…i think a low scoring ..tight affair!
10 Feb 2009, 19:59 pm
# grant10: 562- Well now that’s deceiving. Beating the Poms twice was not exactly challenging. All credit to the Boks for winning the RWC, but maybe FS got a free ride? Risk of him living off that? What have you done for me lately is the pertinent question.
10 Feb 2009, 20:00 pm
# JimT: fantastic attorneys box…really nicely positioned…man its going to be electric!!
10 Feb 2009, 20:00 pm
# Cuito Carnivale: 567 – Not give him a chance in the team. Just give him a chance to play one position for a season!!!!!!!!!! Has he been given that? NO. Thats what I mean. Of course he deserves a contract. You will change your mind after the S14 onc you have seen this youngster playing in one postion all the time like the others have been given a chance to do just that. He has NOT.
Which S14 team you support CC?
10 Feb 2009, 20:01 pm
# JimT: he will prove himself at 12 …lets talk in May…
10 Feb 2009, 20:02 pm
# grant10: 569 That is your problem…the fairytale story…Once upon a time long time ago….but it was only that one time and it was a long time ago.
10 Feb 2009, 20:03 pm
# JimT: P S Free ride? Not boks fault the poms bullied Aussies and All Blacks choked…again !!!
10 Feb 2009, 20:03 pm
# grant10: 570 – I think it will be a higher scoring game. Not because offense clicks but rather defenses will make mistakes. It’s early in the season. Will take time for defenses to tighten up maybe?
10 Feb 2009, 20:04 pm
# grant10: 569 – I mentioned that today to someone that was bashing Steyn. It actually just makes my mind wonder about those that are doing just that. Let them try and do what Steyn has done. Now when he wins us the game like Newlands that time they have all the great things to say about him when he has to play in all sorts of positions and cant produce like most that have a chance to play in one postion he gets bashed. Bugger them thats what I say. Steyn has huge talent. He will prove it this season just watch.
10 Feb 2009, 20:04 pm
# grant10: 572- Now you making me jealous
10 Feb 2009, 20:06 pm
# Puma: 573 Which team do I support…any team that has Luke in it. NO problem if he is one position but you must be prepare to drop him like any quota player when he makes two mistakes.
10 Feb 2009, 20:07 pm
# grant10: 574 – I’m open minded but as they say in Missouri (the “show me state”), show me, then I will believe.
10 Feb 2009, 20:07 pm
# Cuito Carnivale: a time that we will always remember and NEVER forget!The youngest player ever to win a world cup thrown in the deep end in a position he had hardly played in…and the monster penalty to get the 9 point cushion! And the 2 drops vs aussies to win the test…currie cup winner…conversion in Dunedin…but hey ,,,we saffas…we will remember the faults…way we wired!!
10 Feb 2009, 20:07 pm
# grant10: Yip you are so right grant10. I have said that too to many kiwis here. Tired of having to defend why we won the wc cup. We have it righ here until 2011. We have won it 50% of the time we have been to the world cup. 2 out of 4. Proud of that. Could win the next one aswell. Have the talent just hope we have the gameplan. Thats all.
10 Feb 2009, 20:09 pm
# grant10: 576 – Agreed not the Boks fault that the Aussies & ABs had brain farts. We were cheated out of the final we all wanted to see Boks v ABs. I wanted to see another 1995 final, a thrilling game to watch. It revived my interest in rugby.
10 Feb 2009, 20:09 pm
# grant10: 582 – We think the same grant10. I said that somewhere here today too. Steyn won us plenty. After that monster kick in the world cup the game was sealed. He took that kick like it was just another kick. Fearless. Thats what makes a great player and not just a good player. Steyn is pure class.
10 Feb 2009, 20:10 pm
# JimT: i am thinking a test match atmosphere! Stormers will want to spread it…sharks may want to muscle us!
10 Feb 2009, 20:12 pm
# Puma: i for one would love to have him in a stormers jersey…at 10 !
10 Feb 2009, 20:14 pm
murray mexted reckons he is the most talented back he has worked with…but hey…who the hell is Murray!!
10 Feb 2009, 20:16 pm
# grant10: 586 – Going to be a tight game. Like someone here said today our 9,10,12 combination is new and he thought that could be our downfall but said if those players who have huge talent, if they fired, Stormers could be in trouble. Agreed with him. Its somewhere here that post. Also read that Beast may not play then we have Carstens. I think if Stormers have a problem it may be the tight five.
Anyway its a huge game and could go anyway. Going to be a cracker.
10 Feb 2009, 20:16 pm
# Puma: 585 – Class? You’re sticking your neck out Puma. Hope you are proven right. It ‘s nice to see young talent playing. Some say he’s been inconsistent & that’s fair comment, but he’s also been inconsistently selected, position-wise. Give him the opportunity to answer his critics & then we can judge. His droppies against the Aussies must have been devastating to them.
10 Feb 2009, 20:16 pm
Racing Metro think he is **** as well…only prepared to make him the most expensive rugby player on the planet!
10 Feb 2009, 20:17 pm
# grant10: 586 – What’s the weather forecast?
10 Feb 2009, 20:17 pm
Hey, where am I……
It has taken me ages to get in and now I don’t recognise anything!!
10 Feb 2009, 20:17 pm
# grant10: 587 – Just pleased he plays for the Sharks. I know I agreed with you last year about Steyn at 10 but after the Baa Baas game don’t think he is a 10. Maybe if he had lots of game time there but think Steyn is a natural 15. Also could become a great 12.
10 Feb 2009, 20:18 pm
I have got in a tangle with password now, Roy cancel my request I have “GOT IN” …….
Boys, are you there?
10 Feb 2009, 20:19 pm
# grant10: 587 – Now you’re pushing it a bit. #15 – yes. #12 – maybe. #10- sorry, does not qualify based upon what I’ve seen.
10 Feb 2009, 20:19 pm
Helloooooooooooooooo,
And what have we here………. a freegin new interface…… will take some getting used to…
At first glance it’s COOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL… but I have to take a proper squizzzz first……
10 Feb 2009, 20:19 pm
# carol: 593 – You will get used to it Carol. Just need to put the post number on when you answer as they have forgotten to do that or maybe still working on it. Makes it easier to answer that post.
10 Feb 2009, 20:20 pm
Was this designed by a Sharks fan? Everything is so grey….
10 Feb 2009, 20:21 pm
# carol: Hiiiiiiiii
# JimT: Heyyyyyyyyy
# Puma: Hoyyyyyyyyy
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