It seems inconceivable to many rugby supporters that a talent like Frans Steyn can simply be put out to pasture at the tender age of 23. Recognised as one of the most dynamic backs in world rugby means little as no place can be found for him in the Springboks team. So just who is the ‘Steyn Remover’?

Rumours continue to circulate that PDV and Steyn have not totally patched up their differences and although he did get half a game against the Welsh in the one off test it is obvious that Steyn does not feature in PDV’s plans for the year.

It is true that the precociously talented Steyn might not be the ideal team man as there have been suggestions that he has an independent spirit which is possibly erroneously taken as aloofness. But so what? We are talking about what was one of the most talented backs South Africa has produced, a World Cup winner who already has 36 caps to his name and has at least ten more years of top flight rugby left in him. Can the ‘boks really afford to discard him at this stage of his career? I think not.

Man for man Steyn is head and shoulders above Zane Kirchner or any other fullback in the country and offers so much more with his ability to kick massive distances. The memories might be short but many will not forget how Frans Steyn last year singlehandedly thumped over three penalties from his own half to help the Springboks beat the AB’s 32-29 and win the Tri-Nation.

It also cannot be argued that PDV is not selecting oversees based players as Butch James has been included in the squad and Jean de Villiers has started in the recent test matches. So why not find a place in a 28-man squad for Frans?

What compounds the problem that the only other fullback in the squad besides Kirchner is Gio Aplo who seems to find himself on the right wing at the moment and although he is courageous and a great counter attacker he simply is no replacement for the physically imposing Frans Steyn.

However, it seems that PDV is happy to go with Aplon, Kirchner and Habana as his back three and it is a tried and test combinations that could work out well for the World Champs.

Though, it does seem to be an extravagant decision to toss Frans Steyn on the heap when he still has so much to offer.

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fanatic   |2010-06-30 07:36:54 There is no doubt that Steyn is a match winner in his own right. De Villiers knows it, we as rugby supporters knows it, but I think the problem is Steyn himself knows it as well and being 23 maybe has an ego problem. No one is bigger than the game. Div told him after the first Wales test to get himself up to standard. It is now up to him to come back and play S15 next year and maybe then Div will pick him. SA rugby administrators, Steyn`s advisers and Div should sit down, talk about his plans and future and spell it out clearly - we need him. If he is up to standard!

xdunes   |2010-07-01 06:19:29 Steyn should come back to the Sharks and play his way back into the team. We will be needing his x-factor, actually we already need it

Cycle Mania   |2010-07-01 06:38:25 Gio Aplon is a valuable player, his strengt lies in his size. He should be given more time to adjust to international level. It is difficult to bring a small guy down and if your tough and agile like Aplon evenmore so. If Steyn doesn`t want to work for the Bok jersey, therer is plenty players willing to take his place. I would rather battle along a willing soldier with a knife than a unmotivated hero with a gun

Kosie   |2010-07-01 07:11:37 Vir al die Sharks Fans - vergeet van Frans Steyn. Julle sit met `n growwe diamand wat net geslyp moet word in Patrick Lambie. Hy is al klaar beter as Seyn in my siening en as hy reg bestuur word kan hy een van SA se beste agter spelers nog word. Stop crying about spilled milk - en as jul dan wil, maak `n nuwe Steyn!

Coach19   |2010-07-15 15:10:32 "It is true that the precociously talented Steyn might not be the ideal team man as there have been suggestions that he has an independent spirit which is possibly erroneously taken as aloofness. But so what?" Please read this part... Now I can’t understand that the person who wrote this article can say BUT SO WHAT???? Rugby is a 15 man game not a game that is played by opportunist like Steyn. Before you Judge i do believe that the chap has incredible talent and has the makings of a Rugby legend. Frans needs to Stay in France and "Grow up." He has his whole career ahead of him as this reporter so says "at least ten more years of top flight rugby left in him" so why not let him develop. Ask yourself honestly now... Derick Hougaard Exploded onto the Blue Bull scene and was then destroyed at international level, Frans how ever did quite the contrary, BUT he started playing bad rugby individual opportunism arose because he thought he was invincible. Let him end his contract overseas and then prepare for someone Prolific.

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