Francois Steyn has never been as happy as he has been playing in France. The Springbok is part of the revolution at Racing Metro , a team that won promotion to the top flight this season
Away from the intense media spotlight in South Africa, Steyn, who turns 23 next month, has rediscovered the pleasure of just playing rugby.
He was only 20 when he lifted the Webb Ellis trophy with the Boks in Paris in 2007, becoming the youngest player to be part of a World Cup-winning team.
But now, at his club, he leaves the limelight to players such as hairy giant Sebastien Chabal.
“I think that being away from my home and my family for a while has helped me to improve as a person,” he says. “I needed to get out of my comfort zone. I think this cultural experience in France just made me grow up a little bit quicker. I know now what life is about.”
Steyn played at high levels of the game in SA from a young age, thanks to his enormous and precocious talent.
But he became mentally exhausted in the process. Exile has helped him recover his appetite.
“In South Africa, I forgot to have fun in life and to be young. Rugby was everything for me,” says. “I took it too seriously and over-trained. In Paris, I learnt there was a life off the field. It’s a dream for me to live in the most beautiful city in the world.
“So I opened my eyes to enjoy the game as much as possible and to discover new horizons.”
LOSS OF MOTIVATION
Steyn says the structure of the southern hemisphere season explained his premature loss of motivation.
“Super 14 is mentally tough. You’re away from home for five weeks and then you play a few games in South Africa before the Tri-Nations and the Currie Cup. In the end, you’re home for only four to six months. The rest of the time you’re playing away. I had enough of all this travel and time spent in hotels. I wanted to be at home and enjoy it.
“In Paris, that’s exactly what I do. I feel more comfortable in my head here.”
When he arrived last September, Racing were second from bottom of the Top 14. But his physical presence in midfield and his kicking helped the club win nine games in a row between September and January .
All Black legend Andrew Mehrtens, who plays flyhalf for Racing, has fallen under Steyn’s spell.
“LIKE DAN CARTER”
“It’s a real privilege for me to play alongside Francois. He’s like another Dan Carter. He has a real presence on the pitch and speaks a lot. It’s very important for a flyhalf to have an inside centre who gives you a lot of information.
“His territorial kicking means the team is always gaining ground. He’s brought consistency to the side.”
Steyn, formerly of the Sharks, signed a three-year deal worth E 750 000 (R7,351,000) a year with Racing.
“It’s more of a marathon than a sprint here and that means you have to test yourself mentally and physically. In the Super 14, you know before the season which teams are going to end up one, two, three and four.
“But in France, you can put money on everyone. Every game is very tough and you can’t say you’re going to win. I feel like I’m mentally stronger.”
Steyn’s new-found confidence could be put to the test if, as intimated, Springbok coach Peter de Villiers considers foreign-based players for the clash against Wales at the Millennium Stadium on June 5.
By The Chef
News24 Blog
Puma,glad I got someone on my side here 🙂 I got an interview on Monday probably,there is a bit of contract work but am holding out for something permanent,but being unemployed is a bit scary.. Imagine Frans at 12 and Lambie at 15 for the Sharks Puma.. Probably will never happen but we can dream.
30 – Super…hehe. Yeah we Sharkies stick together 😉
Super,I think its going to be a tough game,the first half is going to be tough with alot of needle but think we’ll get it together in the second half. I reckon Sharks by 12 but it to be an ugly win and I dont think we will score 4 tries..
Come on forget about FS, he is not coming soon. The lions are hungry , will they eat fish this week.
31 – Winston, I wish you well with finding a job. There is plenty work in Joburg just keep looking you are well eductated and will find something soon. Take the contract for now that will bring in some money.
Jeepers, if we had Frans Steyn at inside centre and Lambie at FB from the start of the S14 we would not be at 10th right now.
34 – Super, Hope not. Not that it matters too much we not going to get to the semi. Just hope we don’t lose to the Blues next week. Think they have a easy run from here and could land up kicking one out of the semi if they win all their games from here.
33
have you seen circus Lions before, they are old lazy bastards, they come out slow. So dont worry you guys might be out of sight by the time they wake. Then again it takes a fish out of water….
Impossible to forget such a legend.:-) I got a call from my brother at 4 Pm and he summonsed me to the Lions Reds game and the Lions were awful,they have no defensive structure,thats why I think they will give us a run for our money but wont beat us.. Am trying to get out of going to my girlfriends mothers birthday so I can see my beloved Sharks this weekend..
38 – Winston, you have to watch the Sharks. Put on the tv there if you have too….hehehehe.
Yeah Puma,if I dont find something in the next week or two I’ll take that.. Ellis Park is such a top stadium but there is no vibe,no after match atmosphere and its not the safest place in the world..
I’m a resourceful chap Puma,I’m watching that game come hell or high water 🙂
Okay out of here. Have had Scottish visitor for a few days, here in Joburg on business goes back tomorrow.
So we having a braai tonight. Have to go and get it all ready.
Catch up tomorrow. Cheers Winston and Super.
41 – Winston, for sure…hehe.
Saint if you looking in, cheers to you too mate.
Catch up tomorrow.
Take Care Puma.
40 – Winston, before I go. You right, Ellis Park still is a superb stadium, just where it is. Not a very good area that. Yip no braais before or after, nothing beats the atmosphere at the Tank.
Cheers Winston need to get that braai ready now.
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