‘Brilliant’ Steyn remains committed to Springbok cause

Springbok legend Frans Steyn is set to bring up an unprecedented milestone this weekend as he celebrates 15 years of wearing the green and gold when the Boks face Scotland in Edinburgh.

It is the first time a Springbok has played Test rugby for such a long period, with the Scotland match coming up 15 years and two days since Steyn made his debut against Ireland in Dublin in November 2006.

The previous record was held by another legend, lock Victor Matfield, who was available to play for the Boks for over 14 years.

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“Frans is brilliant. If you look at our selection policy you have to be aligned with the mindset of the Springbok team, and Frans is 100% aligned,” said Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber.

“Before his man of the match performance this past weekend Frans had only played 186 minutes in the 10 Test matches we had available (this year), so although he knows we are giving other players opportunity, he’s there fulfilling his role.

“He’s still unbelievably competitive, so it’s tough for him to sit there but he knows his role and knows what we are trying to do as a group and has bought into that, so he’s not selfish.

Despite reaching such an impressive milestone, Steyn has played only 71 matches for the Springboks, which is a huge pity for a player that has won every major trophy with the team including two World Cups, a British and Irish Lions series and the Rugby Championship.

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However, Steyn continues to go about his business like the consummate professional he is and rolls back the years as he did this past weekend when he put in a barnstorming man-of-the-match performance against Wales.

“Frans is a very experienced player, he brings all of that into training and games and he shows it in big moments when that experience is needed or when good decisions have to be made,” said Bok assistant coach Deon Davids.

“He brings that in terms of his execution and he also brings calmness to the players in assisting them in their execution and decision making.

“But Frans is just a great guy on and off the field. He is always there to assist, give guidance and support the players, and having a guy like him in the squad with quality leadership abilities is a great thing for the squad.”