Frans Steyn keeps getting better and better

Thursday 10 December 2009
Published By: Ben Welch
International Rugby > South Africa

Eyebrows were raised when Frans Steyn was nominated to be the IRB Player of the Year 2009 last month.

His inclusion ahead of a host of his fellow Boks, including Brian Habana, begged some to wonder whether the IRB had simply made a mistake and copied and pasted the wrong name from the South Africa team sheet.

But the recent form of the utility back/inside centre for Racing Metro in France is making him look like a more likely candidate for the prestigious prize.

He appeared in a different league to opposite kicker Jonny Wilkinson as he scored 11 points in his side's recent 28-15 victory over Toulon, helping to extend the club's winning record to eight on the trot.

And Siminikwe Xabanisa argued for the Times Live this week that Steyn would fully deserve player of the year honours - and suggested he could be on for many more accolades in the future as he continues to improve.

"Given how crucial kicking was for the Boks this year, Frans was an integral part of the game plan," he wrote.

"What is scarier for me is how he could be that influential operating at only 50 per cent of his ability."