Sharks eye life after Steyn
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While the Sharks have been shocked by SANZAR's appeal against and ruling on Frans Steyn's not guilty verdict, Fred Zeilinga is trying to look to a future of five weeks without the Springbok centre.
Steyn was banned Tuesday – after a SANZAR committee appealed a not-guilty decision, made after the Sharks' win over the Chiefs in Durban a fortnight ago.
Steyn received a red card in that game, but it was rescinded and no sanction was given in the original decision.
The SANZAR-enforced absence of Steyn means, going forward, there is another opportunity for Andre Esterhuizen who is likely to start in the vacant No.12 jumper.
Esterhuizen played alongside Steyn against the Force last weekend, with the Springbok shifting to flyhalf – while fellow Bok Pat Lambie was rested in accordance with a South African Rugby Union request.
Lambie is set to return this week against the Crusaders.
Zeilinga, who is likely to provide flyhalf cover off the bench for Lambie, believes Esterhuizen has a good chance to make a name for himself.
"It is always going to be a big loss if you loose one of the senior players," Zeilinga said, after the news of Steyn's ban broke on Tuesday.
"But we always practise together as a group, so the next guy will slot in and we will carry on as normal.
"Andre [Esterhuizen] has a good opportunity now to show what he has got, and hopefully he takes it."
Steyn's absence also means that there is a need for flyhalf cover on the bench for the Sharks, allowing Zeilinga an opportunity to get more game time.
"I will get another opportunity from the bench this weekend, which is positive," he added.
"I am obviously keen to get a start, but also to show people what I have got as well as pick up some more game time.
"The Force game was the my first shot at Super Rugby this season, and I was happy to get that time.
"I gave it my all and did my best, so hopefully it was good enough – and we did pick up a win after all."
By Darryn Pollock
@DarrynJack365
@rugby365com
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