Steyn soldiering on
Mercurial utility back Francios Steyn is not prepared to let the disappointments of losing the Super 14 Final to the Bulls at Absa Stadium hamper his development as a player this year.
Mercurial utility back Francios Steyn is not prepared to let the disappointments of losing the Super 14 Final to the Bulls at Absa Stadium hamper his development as a player this year.
“There were ups and downs last year. It's now my second Super 14 this year and I just want to build on that and try and make this a better one [year],” Steyn told the Sharks website on Monday.
The Sharks were moments away from securing their first Super 14 title ever, when Bulls wing Bryan Habana stole the hopes and dreams of the Durban faithful in a moment of sheer brilliance.
Steyn explained that while it was only natural to think about these things, it was how you handled the disappointments that would ultimately determine his and the team's success in this year's competition.
“Losing in the final is still in people's minds and hearts,” said the Grey College old boy.
“Sometimes I lie at night thinking about it, but you have to get over it or it will drag you down. We will see this year. Hopefully we can win it,” said Steyn, who by the way is just 20-years-old.
Readers will recall that the brave Steyn volunteered to take the all important conversion – which he missed – that would have put the matter beyond dispute against the Bulls after a sensational Albert van den Berg try towards the end of the match.
Steyn admitted that players were after all human and generally did tend to think about those little costly mistakes that could determine the outcome of any match.
“It depends on the game. If it is tight and the result is close, you do tend to think about it, but when you are winning well, then you don't need to. You should actually, but you don't,” added Steyn.
He was also rather confident that the Sharks as a team could produce more competitive rugby this season, despite the departure of some of the franchise's senior players.
However, there is a considerable amount of uncertainty about what role he would play in the Sharks set-up this year, with coach Dick Muir already having said that he could use the World Cup-winning Springbok at flyhalf, centre or even at fullback throughout the season.
“We have a strong side, especially with the Boks, but even the other guys are in a class of their own and could easily walk into the Bok side. With the players we have, I think we can really put up a good fight,” added Steyn.
“With the team spirit that has just continued from last year, there is a lot of fun in the camp; everyone is happy and it is going really well,” said Steyn.
“We are looking in good shape and will be ready for the opening match against the Western Force,” concluded Steyn.