Francois Steyn returns to South African team
Francois Steyn will replace Zane Kirchner in the outside centre position ahead of their Test with Wales at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, 13 November.
Kirchner dropped out of the team that beat Ireland 21-23 at the Aviva Stadium last week and will instead start as a substitute.
Steyn was unavailable for South Africa’s opening Test in Dublin, as he had not yet been released by his French club Racing Metro.
The World Cup winner is likely to add a more defensive and kicking game, and he will come face to face with the talented Welsh utility back James Hook.
Springbok’s coach Peter De Villiers believes that the experience of Steyn will benefit the team.
"Frans understands the defensive roles more, as he has played there more and when a guy like that comes back they normally instill confidence in the players around them," said De Villiers at a South African press conference.
Steyn will now partner Jean De Villiers in the midfield for a strong centre partnership.
The Springbok coach was happy with Kirchner’s performance in the game against Ireland as the full-back did well in the centre.
However, the South African coach is now keen to look at other options ahead of the World Cup and may introduce Kirchner off the bench, as centre Jean De Villiers has still not completely covered from a groin injury.
"At this stage with the World Cup around the corner, there are many things you consider. What we saw of Zane [against Ireland in Dublin] was what we expected of him, they [the midfield] were not tested a lot but we were happy with his performance," said
the Springbok coach.
Steyn is the only change from the South African team that faced Ireland, and the Springboks are missing 13 players due to injury. Despite this, South Africa impressed up front against Ireland and should have won by more.
Wales lost their opening Test 16-25 against Australia and will view South Africa as the weakest of the Tri Nations teams. It is their best chance to beat one of the big southern hemisphere teams.
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