Frans Steyn’s outstanding drop goal of nearly 60m in Saturday’s Currie Cup clash between the Sharks and the Free State Cheetahs in the Absa Stadium here is something his team-mates have almost become used to.
Pieter Jordaan reports for Volksblad that Steyn further enhanced his reputation as a long-range sharpshooter on Saturday when, despite a strong squall, he slotted the drop goal that became a defining moment in the Sharks’ 22-10 win.
The Sharks were consequently able to remain at the top of the log and are riding the crest of the wave after six successive wins.
Sharks coach John Plumtree spoke with admiration about Steyn’s talents during a post-match media conference. “During the captain’s practice he hit the mark eight times from 50m away – but don’t write about that,” teased Plumtree; “he’ll just get a swollen head.”
“I told him previously he would be an effective fullback, because he would get more such opportunities in big matches.
“He then said he believed he would be able to do it from where he plays now (inside centre), so he has proved me wrong.”
Would like to play flyhalf
The debate about Steyn’s best position is nothing new and his excellent performance at inside centre against the Currie Cup champions has again raised the question whether this position – in which he played for South Africa in last year’s World Cup final – may not be his best after all.
His powerful runs tested the Cheetahs’ midfield, but Steyn himself has said this year that he would like to play flyhalf.
The news that the current Bok flyhalf, Butch James, intends retiring from Test rugby at the latest after next year’s series between the Springboks and the British Lions, could see Steyn once again coming to the fore as favourite for the Bok flyhalf position.
Frenchman Frederic Michalak was the Sharks’ flyhalf against the Cheetahs on Saturday, but returns to France later this year.
Plumtree was not too concerned afterwards that despite several opportunities, his team could not score a bonus point for four tries.
But he was very pleased about the Sharks’ first victory over the Cheetahs since 2003.
“Our set pieces worked beautifully and our lineouts were also pretty good, even though we lost one or two.
“But it didn’t look as if we would lose and I must say our defence was also outstanding,” he said.
The team’s depth and the impact made by Springbok players like Tendai Mtawarira, Ryan Kankowski and Adrian Jacobs as replacements will also definitely be strong points for the Sharks in their remaining Currie Cup matches.
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Play the guy at 15 seeing as Old Man Terreblanche is getting on in years.
Either Steyn or Jantjes at 15 for the Boks will be great… and then there’s also Kirchner and Mangweni.
@wpw (Liverpool 2 Man Utd 1) (Comment 1) :
I would like to say play him at 12, as he once again had a good game there on the weekend. Let him be JdV’s understudy. He is young maybe he can wait his turn.
The important thing to me is, he must play provincial at the same spot as International. None of this jack of all trades horse sh1t.
@KSA Shark © (Comment 2) :
I suppose you have a point. He did play very well at 12 in the RWC.
@wpw (Liverpool 2 Man Utd 1) (Comment 3) :
And also that way we don’t leave Charlie feeling threatened. 😛
@KSA Shark © (Comment 4) : then I won’t post Gavin Rich’s article in this months SA Rugby.
He still thinks Adi is not 1st choice and when J Fourie gets back Adi should apparently fulfill his role as ‘impact player’
Even though I rate J Fourie as a world class outside center, he is not in possession of the jersey anymore and should play well enough to get it back.
@wpw (Liverpool 2 Man Utd 1) (Comment 5) :
Haven’t seen the article but my gut feel is the same.
BUT ONLY once Jaque Fourie has shown he is back to his best.
He will need to be at his best if Adi keeps the form he is showing at the moment.
@wpw (Liverpool 2 Man Utd 1) (Comment 5) :
Definitely a ‘play back into the jersey’ scenario for Fourie… Adi has staked his claim… alternatively a combo of 10/12/13 Steyn, Adi, Fourie could be trialled…
@KSA Shark © (Comment 6) : i agree.
Is there an easy explanation as to why the Cheetahs couldn’t gain more than 15 meters with any kick out of hand in the second half when the Sharks had no such problem in the first half as Steyns drop showed. Maybe someone that was at the game can enlighten me?
Hosh mase kinnes…UP U LIVERPOOOL !!! KSA…When last did we see a drop goal by Steyntjie before Saturday ???
@Charlie (Comment 10) :
I don’t know, but why do you ask?
@KSA Shark © (Comment 11) : Seems like Fransie’s credibility just move upwards when he can slot a drop goal…Evidential IMO of inconsistent performances… 😉
@Charlie (Comment 12) :
Oh okay, I see.
I don’t see it the same was as you do. 😉
@Salmonoid (Comment 9) :
i wasnt at the game but even on tv you could see from the flags that the wind was gusting, at times it blew a gale, at other times it dropped.
Another thing i noticed is that the Sharks put a lot of pressure on the FS kickers who were often forced to kick high over the heads of the attacking players… and it was the high balls that were catching the wind and getting blown back
@KSA Shark © (Comment 13) :
@Charlie (Comment 15) : Charlie, NOBODY sees it exactly the way you do 😉
@spykerbaard (Comment 14) :
Thanks Spyker, that makes sense even though it would then appear as if the rugby Gods were smiling on the Sharks, invoking a mean gust whenever the Cheetahs had to kick, and seemingly behaving for us. About time some things went our way.
@Salmonoid (Comment 17) : amen
I’m so gatvol of Steyn and and Pienaar and their big heads in not listening to advice as to where they should play.
@VinChainSaw (Comment 19) : he he… know what you mean
Watched Steyn practising his kicks on Newlands in the All Blacks test I was amaized with his distances he got from place & drop. No one not even Carter came close to him. Wish he can stick to 10 because he have everything to be a legend in 10. That drop was unbelievable. Just wish he’ll pass more when in midfield.
@PaarlBok (Comment 21) : IMO, if he pass more then he can become a good flyhalf, but for now play him @ 15… 😉
@Charlie (Comment 22) : Think he’ll pass more when playing at 10. If he have Jean in 12, he’ll tell him to pass. Look defensively, kicking wise, the kid have everything, just need time to settle in that position.