Lions in SA
Steyn heaps praise on Div
2009-06-26 07:47
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JJ HarmseJohannesburg – Frans Steyn can't wait for Saturday when he will run out with the Springbok starting XV at Loftus Versfeld for the first time.
"I have never played there (Loftus) as part of the starting team so I'm really looking forward to it. What makes it even better, is that I know the No 15 jersey is mine and I can play without fear," said the 22-year-old Sharks player.
Steyn described his performance in the first Test in Durban as being "not good" despite earning praise from former Bulls coach Heyneke Meyer.
"With his tremendous kicking boot, Frans forced the Lions onto the back foot and completely neutralised Lee Byrne's attacking ability with the boot," said Meyer.
Steyn was humbled by the praise but admitted on Thursday that he didn't want to start thinking about the second Test just yet.
"I'm not one of those guys who start thinking about matches too far in advance. Closer to Saturday I will start focusing on my task. If I start too early (to focus), I’m worn-out by kick-off."
Bok coach Peter de Villiers received criticism last week for choosing Steyn in the fullback position as the versatile youngster had not played in that position for quite some time.
Steyn, though, has plenty of praise for the Bok coach.
"He supports me. There was justified criticism about my inclusion as fullback because I didn't play there in the Super 14. Guys like Zane Kirchner and Louis Ludik, on the other hand, did very well."
"I understand that people feel they should have been in the team, but Peter is the first Bok coach who was honest with me about where I was going to play and how I fitted into the picture. It makes it much easier to enjoy yourself," Steyn said.
"I know I am the fullback but I also know that Zane is waiting right behind me. And of course, I have to show that the trust in me is justified."
Steyn was also grateful to his team-mates, Bryan Habana and JP Pietersen, for helping him to again find his feet.
"Bryan and JP were a great help and hopefully on Saturday I can pay them back and help where it is needed," said Steyn.
"I have sometimes fallen down, sometimes bloody hard too. You know me by now, I’m not finished falling down yet. But there’s one thing that you can be sure of, I will always get up. And come back tougher."
Steyn feels that he is too impatient to play in the flyhalf position. "I chase after the ball too much. You have to be calm at flyhalf and I'm not. And I also don't want the extra responsibility of playing flyhalf. I play to enjoy the game and don’t need that pressure."
Steyn surprisingly enough, is not looking forward to long drop kicks in the thin air of Loftus. "I don't want to make predictions like that. You can't plan drop kicks in advance, it depends on the situation. If the Lions again play like in the second half in Durban then we will hardly have balls to drop kick."
"It will come if it's there, but I’m not going to hesitate to run from behind if there are gaps."