Super Steyn peerless in Bok history

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Frans Steyn is a generational rugby super star and the most talented to play for the Springboks in the professional era, according to Mark Keohane.

In his Sunday Times column, Keohane wrote that when Steyn plays, the Springboks win more than they have ever won in their 115-year Test history. Steyn has lost just 15 of his 76 Tests, which is less than 20 percent. He has 59 wins and two draws for a win percentage of 78.

“Steyn is a rare talent and among the most gifted backline players in the history of the sport. His track record is without comparison among his South African rugby peers. He has lost 19.7% of the 76 Test matches he has played. Historically, SA’s Test win record is 63%.”

KEO: Frans Steyn has been a freak of rugby nature

A win is what the world champions need against Argentina in Durban on Saturday to have any chance of clinching the 2022 Rugby Championship title and Steyn, 35, is set to start a Test at flyhalf for just the second time, and the first since 2008 when current Bok winger Canaan Moodie was just five years old.

Having featured across the backline in every position excluding scrumhalf, Steyn’s career is littered with big plays in the biggest of moments. The Boks are counting on more of this magic at Kings Park where Steyn will be eager to confirm he has the legs to carry him to France next year and give him the chance to become the first player to win three Rugby World Cups.

“Steyn is a winner, with a playing pedigree that made him the hottest property in France after the 2007 World Cup and still has him in demand internationally,” wrote Keohane. “His role has changed significantly over the years, from pacey winger to midfield monster and from starter to finisher. He is in his final 12 months of Test rugby and, if fit, will go to the 2023 World Cup in France.

“It will only be appropriate that it all finishes for Steyn on the World Cup stage at the Stade de France, where he won his first World Cup in 2007. It will be the most fitting finale, if he comes off the bench to blast over one last 50-plus metre penalty strike.”

Watch: 10-star Frans Steyn will win it for Boks

Photo: Albert Perez/Getty Images

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Zelim Nel