SOUTH AFRICA

Steyn wants centre stage

Wednesday 16th April 2008

Backline merry-go-round: Steyn wants to play at centre

Springbok and Sharks backline star Francois Steyn has revealed that he sees his future "as a centre."

Steyn has played in every backline position bar scrum-half at Test and Super 14 level and his best position has become a hotly debated subject in South Africa.

The debate took on a new dimension recently when new Springbok coach Peter de Villiers said that he did not value Steyn's versatility and would prefer the 20-year-old to prove himself in one position.

"I see my future as a centre," Steyn told the Daily News.

"I would prefer 12 (the position he excelled in at the Rugby World Cup when he took over from injured Jean de Villiers) but 13 is not vastly different and I am getting used to it."

Steyn will be at outside centre on Saturday against the Brumbies and will be up against arguably the best opponent of that position in world rugby, Stirling Mortlock.

In fact, the Sharks's coaching staff are convinced Steyn can be molded into a similar type of player.

Steyn has had mixed fortunes at full-back and fly-half for the Sharks this season and was moved to outside centre in place of Waylon Murray against the Hurricanes.

"Centre is closer to the action than full-back, which suits me," says Steyn.

"Basically your job is to run at the opposition, and I enjoy doing that, too."

With Stefan Terblanche now established at full-back where his experience has become invaluable and Frederic Michalak the first choice fly-half, coach Dick Muir has slotted Steyn in at number thirteen alongside Bradley Barritt.

At outside centre the young man is spared the pressure of the decision-making that goes with playing at fly-half or full-back.

Against the Highlanders, two tries were scored through defensive lapses out wide between Steyn and Murray, who was on the wing, but Muir says they were not Steyn's fault.

"The problem was that Waylon was ahead of Frans, which he shouldn't have been, and that caused the hesitation," Muir said.

"He is adapting well to the position considering he hadn't played there before and he will get better and better.

"He enjoys playing centre and sees his future in the midfield, not full-back or fly-half."

Muir said his backline is excited about building on their positive display last week.

"Conditions will be good, clear skies are forecast, meaning we will have only our second game of the season without humidity or rain."