Frans Steyn. Photo by Steve Haag/Gallo Images

UPDATE: Time running out for Frans Steyn’s World Cup hopes

Frans Steyn’s readiness to feature in the Rugby Championship could determine his fate for World Cup selection.

by Craig Lewis

17-04-2023 09:49

in Rugby World Cup 2023

Frans Steyn. Photo by Steve Haag/Gallo Images

Note: *This is an updated article on Frans Steyn

It was recently confirmed that Springbok veteran Frans Steyn had gone under the knife for a knee arthroscopy, although at first it was initially unclear exactly how long he would need for the recovery process.

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However, it has now been revealed that he will be sidelined for “at least three months”, according to Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie.

“He will miss the entire Currie Cup series,” Fourie commented this past weekend. “I don’t know where Rassie (Erasmus) and Jacques (Nienaber) stand and until when they will give Frans a chance. It’s just their decision, but it’s definitely in the balance I think.”

If Steyn recovers well, he could still be available before the start of the Springboks’ season, which begins with the Rugby Championship in July, but if he is unable to feature prominently during that tournament it would be a big call to select him for another World Cup appearance.

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The two-time World Cup winner will turn 36 in mid-May, but was hoping to head to another global showpiece as a key member of the Boks’ back division. However, these plans could now be derailed as both Steyn and the Springbok coaches face an anxious wait to see if he regains enough form and fitness to be truly considered for selection.

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FRANS STEYN IS IN A RACE AGAINST TIME

Even if the Springbok stalwart is able to make it back in time for the World Cup, it would certainly still create a selection headache for him to get enough game-time during a Rugby Championship that has been shortened to just three matches.

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Soon after that tournament comes to an end, the Springbok coaches are expected to let the team know which players are part of the 33-man squad heading to the World Cup.

Steyn’s experience and versatility was always expected to keep him in the mix, but the emergence of breakthrough stars such as Canan Moodie and Kurt-Lee Arendse have added real competition to the spots available among so-called ‘utility backs’.

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