Steyn WILL play this weekend

 

Steyn was cleared of foul play after being cited for receiving a red card for a tip tackle on Aaron Cruden of the Chiefs last weekend.

 

This week however, SANZAR laid an appeal against South African-based chairman Jannie Lubbe decision.

 

A new three-man panel, comprising of Australian-based Terry Willis (chairman), with Nigel Hampton (New Zealand) and Robert Stelzner (South Africa), was set to hear the SANZAR appeal on Friday via video conference.

 

However, a statement released by SANZAR has indicated that the hearing will only be able to take place next Tuesday.

 

"A preliminary hearing was held on Thursday, March 26 in relation to the appeal by SANZAR with respect to the judicial officer's decision for the hearing regarding Francois Steyn's red card," the statement read.

 

"The Appeals Committee directed that written submissions be made and a timetable for these was set.

 

"In addition, because of the unavailability of all parties to proceed on the provisional date of the hearing, a new time has been set for Tuesday, March 31. 

 

"Which was the first available time and date convenient to all parties."

 

This comes as good news for Sharks coach Gary Gold ,who had picked Steyn at flyhalf for their clash against the Western Force in Durban on Saturday.

 

Gold named his team before it was known to him whether Steyn would be eligible to play or not.

 

"As we stand at the moment, the situation is as follows, Frans was found innocent by a judicial officer at the beginning of the week, and his red card was rescinded," Gold said after announcing the team.

 

"As of this moment in time, he is available to play for us, pending SANZAR's decision in the next couple of days – but we are preparing with Frans to play for us."

 

There is still a chance that Steyn's not-guilty decision might be over turned at the new hearing set to take place on Tuesday.

 

This could leave Gold with a gap in his backline with important games against the Crusaders, Bulls, Lions and Highlanders coming up in the next four weeks.

 

However, he has great confidence in the likes of back-up flyhalf Fred Zeilinga and centre Andre Esterhuizen, who could fill in for Steyn.

 

"We have got a great squad, a lot of these guys spent a long pre-season together and I have a lot of confidence in them," Gold said.

 

"I am excited for them to get an opportunity."

 

Gold explained his decision in not playing Zeilinga this weekend, stating that he also wants to give young Esterhuizen a chance to shine.

 

"We definitely considered playing Fred at No.10 [this weekend]," Gold continued.

 

"We have a lot of confidence in Fred, he has played plenty of Super Rugby games for us – and Currie Cup as well.

 

"It was a consideration, but our other consideration was Andre Esterhuizen, who has come off the bench and made some fantastic contributions. 

 

"We thought maybe it is an opportunity for us to have a look at him at No.12."