Rugby
Steyn replacement found?
2009-07-01 07:37
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Hendrik CronjéBloemfontein – There are unconfirmed reports that the Sharks have managed to land a big fish to replace Frans Steyn.
According to ercrugby.com and rugbyrama.com, Argentina's point-scoring machine, Juan Martin Hernandez, has verbally agreed to represent the Sharks in next year's Super14 series.
The versatile Hernandez is seen as a logical substitute for Steyn who will further his career after the Currie Cup at the French club team, Racing Metro.
Due to his versatility, Hernandez, like Steyn, can be played as effectively at fullback, centre or flyhalf.
The 26-year-old Hernandez, who is nicknamed El Mago, spent the past six seasons with Stade Francais. During this time, Stade Francais in 2004 and 2006 won the Top14 series and made it to the Heineken Trophy Championship final in 2005.
Hernandez's was also nominated for the International Rugby Board’s player of the year in 2007. South African winger Byran Habana, however, won that award after staging a prominent display at the Rugby World Cup in France.
But there still has been no confirmation from the Sharks camp.
Sport24 couldn't reach Sharks' commercial manager Rudolf Straeuli for comment on Tuesday. And the Sharks assistant coach Grant Bashford said Hernandez joining the Sharks was "news" to him.
Meanwhile, the French sport newspaper L'Equipe has meanwhile reported that Bok wing, Bryan Habana, is considering at least three offers from French club teams - Stade Toulousain, Stade Francais and Bayonne.
Habana has to finally decide whether he will remain a Blue Bull or play for a French team. "Due to the climate" Habana is not considering offers from England or Wales.
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