Faf already 'adding value' in Bloem, despite uncertainty about his Bok commitments
SPOTLIGHT: Francois de Klerk is still waiting on a call from Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus, which might rule him out of the Currie Cup, but he is already adding ‘value’ to the Cheetahs.
De Klerk, 34, who signed a two-year deal with the Cheetahs, has already spent time training with the squad in Bloemfontein and mentoring the younger players.
However, with the Springboks facing a severe scrumhalf injury crisis, De Klerk may well be involved in the Nations Championship and Rugby’s Greatest Rival series from July.
Bok No.9 casualties include Morné van den Berg (ruled out for four to six months after undergoing surgery for a torn biceps), Cobus Reinach (severe knee [MCL] injury with a return targeted for late July), Grant Williams (recurring neck issue) and Jaden Hendrikse (return uncertain after suffering back-to-back concussions).
That leaves Embrose Papier and Haashim Pead remaining from the alignment camps, bringing De Klerk back into the picture.
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Cheetahs coach Frans Steyn confirmed that De Klerk, affectionately known as Faf, has already reported for duty in Bloemfontein.
However, his availability remains up in the air.
“I don’t know what is [Bok coach] Rassie Erasmus’ plan,” Steyn said.
“I’m not even sure if he will be available for the Currie Cup.
“It will be great to have him available, but with all the injuries at scrumhalf in the Bok squad, we have to wait to see if they call him up.”
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The Cheetahs coach said the double World Cup winner has already added value at training.
“It is great for our squad,” Steyn said, adding: “He came in straight away and gave advice to the scrumhalves and flyhalves.
“He was involved from the moment he arrived, and he will add great value to our squad.
“He [De Klerk], [Scotland international flyhalf] Jaco [van der Walt], [seasoned scrumhalf] Marco [Jansen van Vuren] and [No.9] Rewan [Kruger] we have experience to guide the youngsters.
“We can improve them by utilising the experience we have in the squad.”
De Klerk has established himself as a cornerstone of the modern Springbok era.
Known for his abrasive defensive style, tactical kicking, and lightning-fast service, he was a pivotal figure in the 2019 and 2023 World Cup-winning campaigns.
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