Player watch: Frans Steyn

Columnist Grant Ball takes a closer look at the new streamlined Frans Steyn's World Cup performance against Wales.

Steyn came into the match under much pressure, as severe question marks arose around his fitness and form. His ability has never been questioned, but Steyn silenced those critics with a showing that matched the talent – his best performance for the Boks in at least a couple of years.

It is clear Steyn has not only shed the shaggy locks, but also some of the excess weight that has burdened his progress. In difficult wet and windy conditions in a swirling Cake Tin in Wellington, Steyn was the imposing figure at the back that the Boks have so desperately wanted him to be.

Steyn, like the rest of the side, started brilliantly when he dismissed two defenders in Shane Williams and James Hook en route to the line inside the first five minutes. Unlike the rest of the South Africans however, Steyn built on that confidence gained, and only got better throughout the remainder of the match.

What makes Steyn's performance even more admirable was him having to deal with two out of form wingers on either side of him. Bryan Habana's slump in form seemingly knows no bounds, while JP Pietersen cut a disinterested figure. While Fourie du Preez was at times a bewildered influence at the back, Steyn was the one who stood tall and remained composed.

Looking at his stats compared to the highly rated Hook, his opposite number on the night, shows why Steyn had such a good game. Steyn was more athletic and dangerous with ball in hand than he has been in previous outings, making four passes. When he took on defenders, his value was highlighted. Steyn made six runs compared to Hook's two, and made 34m.

He broke five tackles, got over the advantage line twice, and made one linebreak. These are the sort of stats that make Steyn the attacking figure from the back that the Boks haven't possessed in recent times. The key to his stats was also his involvement in general areas, looking for work instead of watching the game go by.

A hungry and purposeful Steyn is a boon to any side.

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