Steyn sees similarities between Rassie's team and class of 2007
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Frans Steyn believes Rassie Erasmus has enough ‘superstars’ in his squad to mount a serious challenge for the World Cup title.
The 32-year-old will be playing in his third campaign after his appearances in 2011 and in 2007, which was the year the Boks last won the title.
Steyn, who was 20 during that 2007 campaign, played a big role that year along with several other big-name players and he sees some similarities between Rassie’s team and the class of 2007, especially when it comes to influential players.
“I really hope we do well, and I hope every player has a massive World Cup and gets an opportunity,” said Steyn.
“To compare the two sides, I think both teams have their superstars and those stars can determine whether you win or lose a Final.
“We have to wait and see if we make a semifinal or the Final. Hopefully, everything goes well.”
ICYMI – Meet the 31 men that will carry the hopes of 60 million South Africans. Join us at OR Tambo’s International Departures at 10:30am on Friday morning as we send the boys off to Japan in style. #StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/giB2KM8mXs
— Springboks (@Springboks) August 28, 2019
Steyn is also enjoying his time under Erasmus.
“I’ve known Rassie for a long time now. When I played in my first Currie Cup campaign, he was coaching the Cheetahs with the lights [on the Free State Stadium roof] and then in 2011 he coached us [Springboks] in Rustenburg.
“I really like Rassie. Everything about rugby he just sees differently.
“He is honest and that is the biggest thing for a rugby player – you just want honesty,” Steyn added.
The Springboks face Japan in a warm-up match on Friday, September 6 in Kumagaya City.
Erasmus side will take on the All Blacks in their opening Pool B match on Saturday, September 21 in Yokohama.
South Africa Squad:
Backs: Herschelle Jantjies, Kobus Reinach, Warrick Gelant, Elton Jantjies, Handre Pollard, Makazola Mapimpi, Sibusiso Nkosi, Cheslin Kolbe, Francois de Klerk, Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Willie le Roux, Frans Steyn, Jesse Kriel.
Forwards: Schalk Brits, Mbongeni Mbonambi, Malcolm Marx, Frans Malherbe, Rudolph Snyman, Lodewyk de Jager, Franco Mostert, Vincent Koch, Steven Kitshoff, Albertus Smith, Trevor Nyakane, Francois Louw, Duane Vermeulen, Tendai Mtawarira, Eben Etzebeth, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siyamthanda Kolisi (captain).
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