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Frans Steyn playing every Bok game like it could be his last
"Rugby is a weird sport... next week it can go the other way and I can have a shocker, that’s the way rugby works."
Veteran back Frans Steyn celebrates the Springboks’ win against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday. Picture: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
Springbok utility back Frans Steyn is playing every game as if it could be his last, with the 34-year-old thriving in his role of impact player for the Boks.
Steyn has taken his most recent chances to show that he still has plenty in the tank, putting in a superb second half showing against the All Blacks after replacing Willie le Roux at halftime in the Boks’ final Rugby Championship match in October.
He followed that effort up this past weekend by putting in a man-of-the-match performance against Wales after replacing the concussed Damian Willemse in the 15th minute of the match.
However Steyn knows that rugby can swing both ways at a moment’s notice, so is just relishing each opportunity he gets.
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“Rugby is a weird sport… next week it can go the other way and I can have a shocker, that’s the way rugby works. You can’t always be on top of your game, so that’s that,” said Steyn.
“Playing fullback I am just enjoying using my opportunity, every game could be the last that I play for the Springboks, you never know.
“So there is a lot of talent (in the squad) like (Aphelele) Fassi and all of them who are really good players and are also looking to come through, so I’m just enjoying my time.”
With his massive boot still in full flow, shown by a monster 54m penalty that he slotted in the second half, Steyn was asked about taking advantage of the new 50/22 rule which sees a team rewarded for putting a kick from their own half into an opponent’s 22m for their own lineout throw.
“It’s difficult with the weather here as you saw. I didn’t do a lot of kicking, so it is difficult and I am not focussing on that when I play,” said Steyn.
“If I get the chance I will try and do it, but it’s not a point I focus on and looking to go for every time that I get the ball.”
Steyn will now be hoping to get another couple of chances as the Boks move on to face Scotland this weekend and England next in their last two games of their end-of-year tour.
