Francois Steyn, who has been called up for South Africa’s Tri-Nations match against Australia, is “not ready” for Test rugby, according to his Racing-Metro coach Pierre Berbizier.
AFP
“I don’t think so,” former France scrum-half Berbizier said when asked whether full-back Steyn was ready for a return to the high-octane world of Test match rugby.
“I said that to the South African team officials, whether Francois is ready for an international match against teams which are already at their fifth or sixth game (of the competition).”
Steyn replaces Gio Aplon in the No 15 jersey following a 29-22 home loss to New Zealand last weekend.
Steyn last wore the green and gold two months ago in Cardiff where his fitness came under fire from coach Peter de Villiers after a three-point triumph.
De Villiers subsequently questioned the loyalty of the 2007 World Cup winner to the team and his recall comes after intense media pressure as the Springboks continue the search for a first-choice fullback.
After Wales, Zane Kirchner from Super 14 champions Bulls was elevated and made six appearances before an injury ruled him out of the All Blacks showdown at FNB Stadium.
The pro-Steyn media lobby believe the booming boot of the former Shark and ability to kick penalties from extraordinary distances make him indispensible and a ‘must’ for the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand.
August 24th, 2010 at 8:24 pm
Maybe and easy way for Head Clown to send him packing after this game, if he plays bad he will say I told you so and if he plays good he will say what a smart move from me.
August 24th, 2010 at 8:30 pm
Pierre Berbizier is no mug – he may be right. Frans doesn’t sound like he’s a 100% fit, never mind being up to test standard. The circus continues…
http://fromthebottomoftheruck.blogspot.com/
August 24th, 2010 at 8:32 pm
Reply to Fromthebottomoftheruck @ 8:30 pm: Yip we have Zian and Aplon doing well at 15 do not know why he has to push Steyn in starting lineup. If he rested Morne I could undrstand it but again PDV shows us his brain power
August 24th, 2010 at 8:39 pm
Put him on the bench, play him in the second half if need be. A small point.. suppose he comes off injured in the first 20 minutes, then who’s going to play full back? This could be entertaining.
http://fromthebottomoftheruck.blogspot.com/
August 24th, 2010 at 8:41 pm
he is must for 2011. he is not a must for now.
but we dont plan.
we have a player thats as big and can punt the ball as far right here (daniller) yet we wont use him even though our campaign is long moertoe.
August 24th, 2010 at 8:46 pm
Someone on this blog has said the same thing on Steyns “readiness” for somtime…
August 24th, 2010 at 10:23 pm
Reply to JT @ 8:46 pm: Mmmhhh
August 25th, 2010 at 4:25 am
Reply to JT @ 8:46 pm:
Yes indeed I have… not rocket science… he was not kept in the loop during the club’s down-time and then injured… simply knee-jerk calling from the head-clown (or another easy scape-goat for when things go array)…
August 25th, 2010 at 1:04 pm
Danillier would have been an international if he played for another country.
http://fromthebottomoftheruck.blogspot.com/
August 25th, 2010 at 1:10 pm
Reply to Fromthebottomoftheruck @ 1:04 pm:
Ja, maar De Waal sal net so
goed wees op 15. Skop die bal
ook duisend myl, skerpskutter
pale toe.
Ek weet hy is van die WP.
Dog ek sê maar net.