X-factor Frans to fire
27 Feb 2013
MARK KEOHANE writes Frans Steyn, against the Stormers, will show Heyneke Meyer why he should start at No 12 for the Boks.
Jean de Villiers has been an outstanding Springbok but I don’t see him making the 2015 World Cup and I think this year will be his last at the highest level. De Villiers will still add value to the Boks in 2013 but not necessarily in a starting capacity.
Bok coach Heyneke Meyer raved about De Villiers’s contribution as captain of the Boks in 2012 and indicated he would invest more in De Villiers this season, but the form of Steyn at No 12 could make it hard for Meyer to select De Villiers in his favourite inside centre position.
Steyn has always been used as a fullback and inside centre at the Sharks. On occasion he has played outside centre, wing and even flyhalf, but in his three years at Racing Metro he made the midfield his own and was primarily selected for his physicality in the centres.
Steyn, when he helped win South Africa the World Cup as a 20 year-old, was already a big unit but he is physically imposing in stature and his kicking game and all-round skill level means his physicality is often not acknowledged.
He is a beast in the midfield and weighs over 100 kilograms and is well conditioned. He is strong in contact and he is the only midfielder in South Africa who can consistently stand up in the tackle and offload effectively.
Steyn’s linekicking game makes him a gem at inside centre. He is strong enough to take it to the line and has strong distribution skills. But it’s that monster boot of his that keeps the defence honest and also keeps them hesitant. He provides a foil to Pat Lambie at No 10 and having two such capable out of hand kickers makes it a nightmare for any opposition fullback.
Last year I asked 102-Test Springbok fullback legend Percy Montgomery who he would select at inside centre for the Boks. He said he would pick Steyn ahead of De Villiers but he felt De Villiers at No 13 or on the wing still offered South Africa options and he added he would select both in his run on XV.
But it was Steyn who got his nod at 12 because of how difficult his selection made it for any opposition back three.
‘Jean has fantastic qualities but he has never had a line kicking game. As a fullback you know he is never going to play for field position by way of his boot and you can positionally defend the back three axis relatively confidently against a 10/12 combination in which the 12 doesn’t have a kicking game,’ said Montgomery. ‘It changes the dynamic completely when a side has a 12 like Frans who can kick the ball further than most international 10s and he can cause a lot of uncertainty to a back three, especially if that back three includes wingers who don’t have strong kicking games. He gets the ball one channel out and he can chase you around from side to side and force back a pressured clearance, in which he gains 30-50 metres and his team gets the ball back.
‘I think he is a gem at inside centre and that is where I’d play him all the time with the Boks. He has matured his game in France and he has added composure to the physicality he has always naturally had. He has also taken ownership of his game and has been rewarded with the captaincy at the Sharks.’
Steyn will benefit from playing inside centre consistently this season and Lambie, if fit, being the regular No 10.
De Villiers will play either No 13 or No 12 against the Sharks on Saturday, depending on the fitness of fellow Bok Juan de Jongh, but either way he and Steyn will enjoy a rare head to head battle that should give Meyer an insight into what will best work for the Boks this season and more specifically in his build-up to the 2015 World Cup.
Currently I would pick De Villiers at outside centre for the Boks in 2013 and Steyn at No 12.
Saturday in Durban will tell you why.
Steyn, like Dan Carter, is gold among the world’s backline elite. He has the X-factor.
698 Comments
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27 Feb 2013, 11:02 am
@WP-Forever-125:
Hehe. I’m in full agreement with the private firearms industry’s position on this matter.
Other than that I’ll just say that the case must be judged on its merits, not on speculation.
27 Feb 2013, 11:02 am
@nortierd-141: Lol… But I got a good liar… er… lawyer on my side
27 Feb 2013, 11:03 am
@stormersboy-140: He threw it to Spies…..
@rossoneri-144: I told the guppies Lambie is mature enough to captain them. Frans is a child…and a dim one at that (the sort who struggles to construct a tower out of building blocks…)
Good player….Rugby brain and maturity; not so good.
27 Feb 2013, 11:04 am
@nortierd-146:
Are you still walking the beat?
27 Feb 2013, 11:04 am
@Tacitus-151:
I’m glad to see you’ve made an about-turn.
I seem to recall you stated something to the tune of, ordinary law-abiding South Africans need Oscar to be found innocent since such South Africans need to be able to defend themselves in their own properties, or something to that effect – or am I recalling incorrectly?
27 Feb 2013, 11:07 am
@WP-Forever-155:
He’s probably realised that Odawgs circumstances are not quite what he first thought.
27 Feb 2013, 11:08 am
@WP-Forever-155: Tac better be careful in answering your query, the archive diggers are waiting in the wings
27 Feb 2013, 11:08 am
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-153:
You know what? Some of the events and reactions around the Pistorius case remind me vividly of the Waterkloof Four case.
And not in a positive way.
27 Feb 2013, 11:10 am
@Bagel-101: Bage, If standing up against your RACIST buddies and insulting little biddues makes me racist?? no problem dude.
Firstly lets get one thing clear here, both the people you insult are not even in here and 2ndly you quite obviously accept you fellow cappie buddies insulting, but when it comes back you come in here and whine like a horny pig on roids??
Grow a pair son, and lastly as much as i think Skop is one of the biggest A*holes in here? to make him the Stormer scape goat when there are far more, i mean we can mention your friend CAPO, etc etc etc
so go google yourself some free tissues, in fact here is the website link.
www. Iamawhineystormersupporterthatneedstohardenthefuckupandaminneedoftissues.com
27 Feb 2013, 11:10 am
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-153: “Good player….Rugby brain and maturity; not so good”…. My, my you could be talking about the current Bok Captain here… Just lacking a “was long ago a” before the “good”…
I applaud Plum for giving Frans an opportunity to lead… Frans isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed, but he certainly aint the dumbest rugger b.ugger ever to throw a ball in anger at the highest level…
Some great Captains including Teich and Johnno certainly weren’t the sharpest tools in the shed either…
So who knows with Frans… He could be a revelation, but he certainly wont be a drastic failure…
Plum did good with his choice.
27 Feb 2013, 11:10 am
@Dawn-148: Ag ja shame. Some people. Eish. The Sharks should actually edge this game, as it is at the tank, and based of last weeks performances, they were slightly less terrible than the Stormers. But the big problem for them is that their cappy is not the best choice, this will hurt them at some point.
27 Feb 2013, 11:12 am
@hendrikp-135: Like he did last weekend huh?? yeah right.
27 Feb 2013, 11:13 am
@Sharks_are_gonna_get_you-159:
Horny pig on roids?
Man, I would love to see that in real life!
27 Feb 2013, 11:13 am
@gunther-154:
Nope, luckily not, been there done that
27 Feb 2013, 11:14 am
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-153: Looked like he was throwing it to Lambie.
The team announcement is at 12h00. I may pop down and see what AC has to say.
27 Feb 2013, 11:14 am
@Heavens Game-160: She has no idea about Frans Steyn or whether he is immature or not,
Here are the facts, many of the Stormer supporters in here will be bad mouthing Fransie as much as possible as they know he will be the reason the JDV being dropped to the bench or even out the team.
27 Feb 2013, 11:15 am
@WP-Forever-163: Me too actually
just sound funny as i was typing.
27 Feb 2013, 11:15 am
JP Pietersen for bok 13, Jordaan and Rhule on the wing…
27 Feb 2013, 11:16 am
A few years out into the future, our Bok backline may very well look something like this:
9. C. Reinach (Sharks)
10. J. Goosen (Cheetahs)
11. R. Rhule (Cheetahs)
12. J. Serfontein (Bulls)
13. P. Jordaan (Sharks)
14. S. Petersen (Kings)
15. A. Coetzee (Lions)
Hmmm – I don’t see any Stormers players in that backline, but that was not by design – it is nevertheless an interesting observation.
That’s a talented bunch of players; they don’t necessarily pass muster in the SIZE stakes, but they sure are endowed with SKILL. I would just love to see that backline play for an SA Invitational or SA Barbarians side.
PS: Just as an aside, I thought Stokkies Hanekom (is he not ex WP?) has done really well for the Lions this year – perhaps one to watch?
27 Feb 2013, 11:16 am
@Sharks_are_gonna_get_you-166: Yes… Their blonde bombshell Munster reject fading into irrelevance is a good enough cause to get upset…
27 Feb 2013, 11:16 am
@stormersboy-165: Stormers will have a solid team, I dont however see AC taking Fourie away from hooker, No doubt the Stormers will be favourites and will take a massive effort from the Sharks to be able to beat them.
27 Feb 2013, 11:17 am
@mxhosa-168: Eish! Not bad… A “slight” bit of speed there.
27 Feb 2013, 11:18 am
@Angostura-169: Amgostura?? are you drunk?? ffs Lambie outplayed Goosen last saturday and is the current Bok 10, so he should not even be in the bok squad?? I question you rugby knowledge.
27 Feb 2013, 11:18 am
@Angostura-169:
It’s more likely for Helen Zille to become our next president than for Heyneke Meyer to pick a backline like that (assuming he is still coach then).
27 Feb 2013, 11:19 am
Fransie = SBW
27 Feb 2013, 11:19 am
@mxhosa-168: that could work,
27 Feb 2013, 11:19 am
@WP-Forever-155:
My point was this:
Every verdict sets a level of precedent. Should the defense lawyer succeed in convincing the judge that there is a valid case for self defense, or for lenient decision, this will have an implication for future uses of a gun in a defensive situation.
Conversely should a very harsh verdict be the outcome, this will add extra pressure on people defending their homes in future.
For example, although the chances are very slim, there remains a possibilty that the defense will argue that he felt incredibly threatened due to his disability, and who knows what other factors might come into play.
The case will be judged on all of those arguments. In the end, the verdict will have signficance for all of us, as we all could face intruders in our homes this very night. As today’s news story about the Vanderbilpark dad who was murdered last night in cold blood in front of his son quite tragically illustrates.
27 Feb 2013, 11:19 am
@Sharks_are_gonna_get_you-162:
The Cheetahs tight-five were shi-te. Goosen kept the Cheetahs in that game and very nearly made it a draw.
Bounce of the ball stuff. Goosen has more ‘weapons’.
27 Feb 2013, 11:20 am
@Sharks_are_gonna_get_you-173: True. I’m curious about a couple of positions really but AC isn’t one to make too many knee jerk reactions.
27 Feb 2013, 11:20 am
@Sharks_are_gonna_get_you-166:
Most Stormers supporters will say that JdV should not be selected for the Boks because he is not good enough anymore.
Nothing to do with Fransie.
27 Feb 2013, 11:21 am
@Sharks_are_gonna_get_you-173: Ole’ Bitters is a bit confused and conflicted at the moment….
Kings…
Sharks…
Kings…
Sharks…
Kings!
Until the 2nd century score beating that is then he will be serenading Black and White Dynamite with Sharkie himself on the very sidelines of Kings Park…
27 Feb 2013, 11:22 am
@Angostura-169: Sargeal has played one game, but he has got talent.
When he gets called up it will be in another province’s colours
27 Feb 2013, 11:22 am
OMG Petersen of the kings is now the next BOK wing
omg the stupidity reigns, the kids defense is about ), yes he did score 2 tries, and he is fast, he is a School kid and he light years away from even thinking BOK,
27 Feb 2013, 11:23 am
@nama1-180: Yes, of course… It just the green with envy aspect that is highlighted here…
Another endearing trait of Gods Gift to Rugby Stormer supporters…
Another gift that keeps on giving
27 Feb 2013, 11:23 am
@nama1-180:
One might even argue Jean de Villiers is no longer good enough for a starting position for the Stormers!
9. Nic Groom
10. Elton Jantjies
12. Peter Grant
13. Juan de Jongh
27 Feb 2013, 11:24 am
@Sharks_are_gonna_get_you-171:
“No doubt the Stormers will be favourites and will take a massive effort from the Sharks to be able to beat them.”
27 Feb 2013, 11:24 am
@Dawn-175: No. Fransie < SBW.
Go back and read, you farken illiterate little toothless fairy…
27 Feb 2013, 11:25 am
@Heavens Game-181:
yup HG, sorry but that is one serious lack of rugby knowledge.
Rhule ?? No problem although he still needs work on parts of his game, but atleast he has proven himself over time and in big company.
Hell why not offer the worlds fastest man a BOK wing position?? he has zero rugby knowledge too but hey he has speed???????????????
27 Feb 2013, 11:25 am
One certainty is that Frans is one of the first names on the Bok teamsheet at 12. His display against the Cheetahs confirmed that. Those two mini breaks and offloads were exactly what we want from a Bok 12.
Defensive patterns and structures are so tight at test level these days that space is at a premium and much of the play a test 12 is confronted with is in traffic. The perfect 12 has to be both physical and skilful, which is exactly what Frans is.
Jean is done and should not be considered for the Boks any longer and certainly not at 13 where he was a complete failure last year.
The art now is finding the perfect partner for Frans at 12. de Jongh is a big no, no – the lad has skill but falls well short in the physical stakes. Given the lack of space at test level, 80% of an outside centres time is spent in traffic where he is required to impose himself physically both on attack and in defence. de Jongh invariably gets bashed backwards in contact and while he executes open field tackles perfectly, he is not able to impose himself in front on collisions.
The most talented young centre we have at the moment is Jan Serfontein and to say he can only play 12 is nonsense. He is young and has the skill set to play 13. He might just be the ideal partner for Frans and is worth investing in. There is less pressure on a 13 and therefore might be the ideal position to start Jan off.
But there are many options at 13. Taute has always been good at 13 and his tests against Oz and Ireland at 13 were good. He remains an option at 13.
I am also a fan of JJ Engelbrecht at 13. In last years S15, he executed the best breaks by a SA 13 and by doing so showed exactly what he is capable of. He lost confidence in the CC after being unfairly discarded by Meyer after 15min of rugby on the wing for the Boks as a sub. This S15 will be defining for JJ.
Jordaan is an illusive runner and a real prospect for the 13 spot. Again, this S15 will define him and if he can build an understanding with Frans, it might just give him the inside lane. He is an exciting runner.
I have always enjoyed JP at 13, his spot is wing, but he is so dangerous with ball in hand and has that uncanny ability to slip tackles at will. He and Frans might just create havoc. Meyer was going to play JP at 13 on the EOYT tour but had a rethink when Habana got injured. So its an option Meyer might consider.
I also like the look of de Allende, he has good running balance, likes to step the opposition and is a physically imposing lad. Plays mostly at 12, but looks equally suited to 13.
There are other youngsters who will make an impression at 13. Pat Howard and JP du Plessis of the Stormers, Sadie of the Cheetahs, Dries Swanepoel of the Bulls and Tyler Fisher of the Sharks.
Fisher and Dries Swanepoel are the current Baby Bok 13′s and both are real prospects
We are more than covered for the 13 spot – one of the above is a real option
27 Feb 2013, 11:25 am
Frans Steyn is a 53 test veteran with 2 World Cups and a winner’s medal.
To suggest that WP okes firstly don’t like him and second;y are afraid that he will “demote” JDV to the bench is being paranoid.
Jean played 13 next to him last year. How does that demote Jean? Hasn’t HM already named Jean as his test captain for this year?
27 Feb 2013, 11:26 am
@Dawn-186: I am glad i gave you a laugh, but it is true, Jantjies i doubt will have another poor match this weekend.
Also that loss to the Bulls will have them firing.
27 Feb 2013, 11:27 am
@Sharks_are_gonna_get_you-188: Ag, go easy on the old prune…
He is half a Sharky after all…
27 Feb 2013, 11:27 am
@Heavens Game-187:
27 Feb 2013, 11:27 am
@Sharks_are_gonna_get_you-173: @WP-Forever-174:
I said a FEW YEARS’ OUT, brothers:
Was kinda hoping Heyneke would then not be around anymore to select Panzers in the backline;
&
I was not making that pick based on last Saturday’s relative performance of the two #10′s, but really on Goosen & Lambie’s & Jantjes’ relative performance up to the point where Goosen was badly injured last year scoring that marvelous try in the corner for the Cheetahs. Up to that point he looked like the best all round fly half prospect we have produced for a long time.
Anyway, just IMO, ne?
27 Feb 2013, 11:28 am
@stormersboy-190: Read #185, your own WP supporters are saying he should be dropped.
27 Feb 2013, 11:28 am
@Tacitus-177:
that kite ain’t gonna fly. On the most lenient interpretation of his own account he is guilty of manslaughter. Unfortunately for him, he has no choice but to get into the witness box and Roux cannot protect him much when he gets in there.
They are very aware of what questions Nel will be asking and no amount of coaching is going to help him once he gets under cross-examination.
My call? Murder. Dolus eventualis at least.
27 Feb 2013, 11:28 am
@Saffex-189: Excellent farken post… A new kenner… True rarity on this Storming Propaganda rag…
Will be watching out for you.
27 Feb 2013, 11:29 am
hey Fatfcuk read properly!!!
169. Angostura said:
27 Feb 2013, 11:16 am
A few years out into the future, our Bok
backline may very well look something like
this:
9. C. Reinach (Sharks)
10. J. Goosen (Cheetahs)
11. R. Rhule (Cheetahs)
12. J. Serfontein (Bulls)
13. P. Jordaan (Sharks)
14. S. Petersen (Kings)
15. A. Coetzee (Lions)
27 Feb 2013, 11:29 am
Nothing like a Frankie Steyn X factor article to get the juices flowing in the build up to the Seafood Derby.
I expect hostilities to commence sometime tomorrow.
27 Feb 2013, 11:29 am
@Sharks_are_gonna_get_you-191:
Fuuunnnnyy
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