Francois comes home!!!

[Draggs]

This certainly helped me get over my recent disappointment of Eze doing all the S15 match threads

The Sharks are delighted to announce the signing of Francois Steyn, incumbent Springbok and Racing Metro centre, who makes a welcome return to Mr Price KINGS PARK by signing a three-year contract to play for The Sharks. Amid rumours and speculation doing the rounds, The Sharks were unable to confirm the facts until such time as all logistics were finalised. Rudolf Straeuli, Rugby Commercial Manager for The Sharks stated, "I am pleased that we are able to assist SARFU in bringing back international star players such as Steyn and have him back playing rugby at Mr Price KINGS PARK. I am certain all our supporters will be delighted to see him wearing the black and white jersey once again."
Steyn will join The Sharks officially from 1 July, 2012. The Sharks CEO, Brian van Zyl added, "The present focus is on depth and ability to actively compete in every position in the squad so we are delighted to have Francois back with us to provide that strength in our backline, not to mention his accurate boot."
In terms of the team dynamic, Sharks coach John Plumtree, agrees he has much to contribute, saying: "It is great to have him back with us as we did miss him. He was definitely an influential player when he left and he will again be that, so it is fantastic to have him with The Sharks."
Details of his arrival will be communicated later this week.
Notes
He left South Africa in September 2009, for a two-and-a-half year contract with French Top 14 club Racing Metro 92 during which time he accumulated 61 caps. Prior to that, he played for The Sharks from 2006 until 2009. Originally part of The Sharks Academy, which is the breeding ground for young talent, he made his debut for The Sharks at just 18 years old and soon became renowned for his long distance kicking ability and strong tackling. In his short time with the Durban based team he recorded 56 caps and 147 points, while making his Springbok debut at the tender age of 19 against Ireland at wing, when the team was under Jake White. He re-joined the Springbok squad for the 2011 Rugby World Cup and has played 47 Tests with 121 points for South Africa. Sharks supporters will recall that he scored the winning try in the 2008 Absa Currie Cup Final played here in Durban for the team to reclaim the trophy after a 12 year gap.

http://www.sharksrugby.co.za/news/general/120528/Sharks_Sign_Francois_Steyn

Over the bloody moon!

 

[Amobokoboko]

Great news indeed. Curious to see who will start in the XV. Steyn/Lambie/Viljoen at Fullback, Michalak or lambie at 10. Or Steyn playing center ( altho not his best position)

 

[Draggs]

I think Steyn is indeed best suited for inside centre. He lacks the pace for fullback and decision making for outside half.
Michalak is leaving so don't worry about him. Ludik has been in good form and will hopefully push Viljoen to improve.
Now we need to drop McLeod and give Reinach or Hoffmann a chance.

 

[racingmetrofan]

Excellent news for both the Sharks and SA.

 

[TRF_Ezequiel]

Finally it's official!!! Now we can really go all the way next season!

10. Lambie
11. Mvovo
12. Steyn
13. Whitehead/Jordaan
14. Pietersen
15. Viljoen


AWESOME!!!

 

[TRF_heineken]

Even I am Happy about this!! Welcome back Steyntjie!!

 

[Sker]

Eze I thought you hated Fransina Steyn?

 

[TRF_Ezequiel]

No, when I talk about Mrs. Steyn, it's Morne

 

[SomeOke]

10. Lambie
11. Mvovo
12. Whitehead
13. Jordaan
14. Pietersen
15. Steyn


To me this would be the truly terrifying combination, although it has been a while since Frans has played fullback with any sort of consistency.

Still I'm a little disappointed that either Jordaan or Whitehead are going to be dropped.

 

[TRF_heineken]

http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/Super15/Steyn-ineligible-for-playoffs-20120529

That might put a damper on your mood Eze...

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

Finally it's official!!! Now we can really go all the way next season!

10. Lambie
11. Mvovo
12. Steyn
13. Whitehead/Jordaan
14. Pietersen
15. Viljoen


AWESOME!!!

10. Lambie
11. Mvovo
12. Whitehead
13. Jordaan
14. Pietersen
15. Steyn


To me this would be the truly terrifying combination, although it has been a while since Frans has played fullback with any sort of consistency.

Still I'm a little disappointed that either Jordaan or Whitehead are going to be dropped.

I love how both of you skirt the number 9 jersey LOL. Sharks now only need to lure Pienaar back and they'll have a complete team for once.

As for Steyn, he can only play 12. That should not be up for speculation. That is where both the Sharks and Springbokke need him and have a gap. With Ludik and Viljoen they have fullback covered and thank the heavens for that because otherwise we might have seen (not tempting you here, Fate) Steyn at 15 if Plumtree's record is anything to go by.

 

[User1245]

I think Steyn is indeed best suited for inside centre. He lacks the pace for fullback and decision making for outside half.
Michalak is leaving so don't worry about him. Ludik has been in good form and will hopefully push Viljoen to improve.
Now we need to drop McLeod and give Reinach or Hoffmann a chance.

Man after my own heart

I love such good news as my exams end It's vital that we got this signing with Michalak leaving, not so Steyn can cover flyhalf but so Bosman can GTFO of the centres.
I'm interested to see how his game has adapted since playing in France, if the WC is anything to go by he got better.

 

[Gena_ZA]

Steyn is a class no 12 but I still rate him at 15 for his drop kicks. Don't forget how he beat Australia at Ellis park with two of those marvels.
Not a good flyhalf at all, kicks too low and slow of the mark

 

[Aedaphon]

Steyn is a class no 12 but I still rate him at 15 for his drop kicks. Don't forget how he beat Australia at Ellis park with two of those marvels.
Not a good flyhalf at all, kicks too low and slow of the mark

But he does have the biggest boot... The territorial control a side gets from Franc Steyn is unreal. Expecting to see him taking punting duties for the Boks if he gets in, he's got howitzers attached to both feet.

 

[Draggs]

Francois does not see himself as a fullback.
His (lack of) pace make him a rather weak counter attacker and causes little damage while hitting the line.
He is, however, a rather good defender, and offers a relief for the outside half if needed, while playing at inside centre.

 

[TRF_heineken]

Francois does not see himself as a fullback.
His (lack of) pace make him a rather weak counter attacker and causes little damage while hitting the line.
He is, however, a rather good defender, and offers a relief for the outside half if needed, while playing at inside centre.

You would also be a bit slow if you had such big feet like Steyntjie. It's a lot of dragg....

 

[Sker]

You know what they say about men with big feet...

 

[TRF_heineken]

You know what they say about men with big feet...

yes, they have bigger shoes...

 

[Draggs]

You would also be a bit slow if you had such big feet like Steyntjie. It's a lot of dragg....

I certainly know about that, aye.

 

[Sker]

You know what they say about men with big shoes...


EDIT:


Please fire Plumtree before he puts Steyn at flank or scrumhalf.