Riding pine: Frans Steyn
Sharks centre Frans Steyn has been dropped from the Durban-based franchise's starting XV for Saturday's clash with the Rebels in Durban.
The Springbok midfielder's axing is one of seven changes to coach John Plumtree's run-on side which suffered their first defeat of the season against the Brumbies last weekend.
Plumtree hinted earlier in the week that he was unhappy with the efforts of some of his senior players against the Brumbies, and has rewarded his youngsters who impressed him in that match.
"There have been changes because of what I saw as poor performance," explained Plumtree.
"I was really happy with what Pieter-Steph du Toit brought to the team last week and we're continuing his development by giving him a start, it's the same with Kyle Cooper."
Steyn's place in the side will be taken by Meyer Bosman who came on as a replacement in the 29-10 loss to the Brumbies.
"Meyer Bosman deserves an opportunity too and we've taken Frans out to give him quite a big week of conditioning," added Plumtree.
Amongst the forwards Jannie du Plessis has a minor knee injury and his wife is about to have a baby, "so he's had a difficult week and Wiehahn Herbst starts at tighthead prop," the coach explained.
"Jacques Botes has been in great form so he gets a start this week and Ryan Kankowski will get a rest this week, the same as Craig Burden. They can show me what they have when they come off the bench."
The other changes sees Lwazi Mvovo replacing Odwa Ndungane, on the wing, while Cobus Reinach comes in for Charl McLeod at scrum-half.
The Sharks: 15 Louis Ludik, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Paul Jordaan, 12 Meyer Bosman, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Patrick Lambie, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Keegan Daniel (c), 7 Marcell Coetzee, 6 Jacques Botes, 5 Franco van der Merwe, 4 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 3 Wiehahn Herbst, 2 Kyle Cooper, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements: 16 Craig Burden, 17 Jannie du Plessis, 18 Jandre Marais, 19 Ryan Kankowski, 20 Charl McLeod, 21 Francois Steyn, 22 Riaan Viljoen.
Date: Saturday, 23 March
Venue: Kings Park, Durban
Kick-off: 17:05 (15:05 GMT)
Referee: Lourens van der Merwe (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Jaco Peyper (South Africa), Reuben Rossouw (South Africa)
Television match official: Shaun Veldsman (South Africa)
Comments
olsenneil says...
At least Plumtree recognises South Africa's most overrated player! Sure he has a mighty boot but not the necessary brain or work ethic to undertand how to use it tactically or strategically!
Posted 22:29 21st March 2013
passtheball says...
F Steyn IMO has lacked a brain from the start. He has the skill but is unbale to translate that into match winning performances due to an inability to keep his ego in check and take the right options. Praised too much too young. Not the first nor the last player in that situation.
Posted 08:14 21st March 2013
Stellenbosched2 says...
Hi FISH,
I think the main ingredient missing from Steyn's play recently has been his brain. Why run around the opponent when you can barge into him? The fact that you lose possession and bore spectators tro death is just collateral damage.
Posted 05:34 21st March 2013
ben7 says...
One thing that steyn has really improved on is his offloading in the tackle. Similar to SBW
Posted 23:12 20th March 2013
FISH says...
i hope this fuels steyn to try harder and work on his fitness more, the main thing missing froom his games of late has been hunger, looks listless lacking intent, like i said i hope this fuels him to work harder
Posted 15:10 20th March 2013