Watch: Frans Steyn’s Man of the Match performances, 15 years apart
Frans Steyn was 19 years old when he won Man of the Match in his Springbok debut against Ireland in 2006, and he was 34 when he was again named Man of the Match against Wales last weekend. Watch both of his performances, 15 years apart.
Steyn’s 54 meter monster penalty, composure under the high ball and elusive and powerful ball carries from fullback allowed the Springboks to break an eight-year curse that had characterised their travels to Cardiff. The Boks won 23-18 on the night and while it was a relief to most of the Springbok squad who have only known defeat at the Principality, Steyn made it 5/5 against Wales, in Wales, and 8/8 against Wales over his whole career.
Following the victory, Keo.co.za reported:
Steyn’s boot is the stuff of rugby legend but the way he attacked with ball in hand, brushed off Welsh defenders and smashed his way through tackles took me back to his debut Test against Ireland in Dublin in 2006.
Steyn, a teenager, played on the wing and scored a wonderful try and made some big tackles. Steyn the fresh-faced kid was spectacular and the veteran Steyn, 15 years on in Cardiff, was as potent.
Decide whether the statement rings true for you after watching his two Man of the Match performances, 15 years apart.
Frans Steyn Man of the Match – Ireland, 2006 (Via RugbyDebuts)
Frans Steyn Man of the Match – Wales, 2021 (Via TASanalytics)
ALSO ON KEO: