Francois Steyn: Replaces the injured Keegan Daniel
Sharks centre Francois Steyn will take over the side's captaincy from regular skipper Keegan Daniel who is injured.
That is the word from the Durban-based franchise's boss John Plumtree who confirmed that Steyn will fill in for Daniel who has been ruled out until April with a knee injury sustained in last weekend's 71-8 win in a warm-up match over the Leopards.
"Frans becomes the ideal candidate for the captaincy in terms of experience," Plumtree told The Sharks website, when asked about Steyn - now considered a Sharks veteran and certainly a more mature player that left for France three years ago.
"He has the respect of the players, leads by example and he's a winner. We know that everyone will get behind him and support him."
The Sharks coach added that there are enough experienced campaigners in the squad who can assist in terms of strategy.
"They will help him out with advice which is important," he added.
In naming Steyn as his captain against the Leopards last Friday, Plumtree pointed out that the Springbok midfielder would now play a much bigger role for the Sharks and get a lot more game time.
The Sharks end their pre-season campaign with a match against the Pumas on Friday, before making final preparations for their opening match against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein next Saturday.
Comments
ironmani441 says...
I am really hoping that we get the F Steyn who is the subject of so many highlights videos and not the overweight uninspired Steyn of Racing Metro. He had some good games at Racing but overall he just looked apathetic. I hope going back to SA has given him a real kickstart to the second half of his career because he has power, a great pass and a massive boot which could be a great option at 12 or 13. I don't think he will ever be making those jinky runs of his first stint at sharks simply because his body has changed but what an asset he could be to sharks if he replaces his lost pace with experience and power.
Posted 15:29 12th February 2013