Frans Steyn is likely to play a Test nearly four years after he last played in the green and gold when he runs out for the Springboks against France at Loftus on Saturday.
His French experience – after a combined four seasons at Racing 92 and Montpellier - is one reason that coach Allister Coetzee will pick him to start a series that will make or break the coach’s job.
He is also vastly experienced after 11 years in the top flight‚ which includes being the only surviving member of the 2007 World Cup winning Boks still in the Test mix in 2017.
Steyn‚ 30‚ brings natural skill and power to the No 12 position‚ but he also brings finesse and a fine tactical kicking game.
These are all compelling traits that make his selection seem obvious. But the other reason is more straightforward – there aren’t any other options.
Incumbent Bok inside centre Rohan Janse van Rensburg is injured‚ as is Damian de Allende while outside centres Lionel Mapoe and rookie sensation Lukhanyo Am will also miss the French affair through injury.
It leaves the coach with few midfield options. But for once injuries might have done Coetzee a favour because if he had any doubt about picking Steyn‚ they have been shelved.
Jan Serfontein and Jesse Kriel are the only other fit centres in the squad and could be selected alongside each other because they’ve played in tandem at the Bulls at times this season.
Steyn would cover three positions from the bench‚ including flyhalf and fullback‚ although starting at 12 would give the Boks a second kicking option to take some pressure off flyhalf Elton Jantjies.
The mercurial flyhalf never settled at Test level in 2016 and battled to carry his Super Rugby form into the international arena.
One of the issues Jantjies had was the lack of a kicking option on his shoulder as a bail out.
At Super Rugby level that is not such an issue but at Test level having a 12 who can kick is vital.
England employ George Ford and Owen Farrell together and in his latter years with the All Blacks‚ Ma’a Nonu was an underrated tactical kicker‚ just as Ryan Crotty is at the moment.
Steyn‚ though‚ is on another level when kicking from hand and that will provide some comfort for both Jantjies and coach Coetzee.
If the Boks lose a home series to France then Coetzee’s time in the job will be up.
Munster’s Rassie Erasmus is set for a dramatic return to SA rugby in July‚ just in time to take over for the Rugby Championship if things go awry against Les Blues.
The fact that Steyn was selected for the squad suggests his input and experience were always going to be valued in this particular series.
But injuries to four Bok midfielders have hastened the 53-Test veteran’s return to the match-day squad‚ although he might have to bide his time on the bench.
- TMG Digital/TMG Sport
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