JOHANNESBURG - Frans Steyn's brief flirtation with the Springboks looks to be something of the past.
The experienced back, who plies his trade with Montpellier in France, was recalled to the Bok squad in June as back-up flyhalf to Elton Jantjies, who was the only recognised No 10 in the group that did duty against France in the three-Test series.
Steyn did little more than warm the replacements’ bench, only playing a total of 47 minutes, all as a substitute.
But now with Handre Pollard likely over all the knee and ankle injuries that have prevented him from running out for the Boks since the 2015 World Cup, and national coach Allister Coetzee seemingly convinced Lionel Cronje is worth considering to play Test rugby, Steyn’s Bok career may well be over. Both Pollard and Cronje have been invited to a national assessment camp in Stellenbosch next week.
They are two of 14 players who’ll be subjected to medical and conditioning assessments at the camp. Thirteen of the players are from the three franchises not involved in the Super Rugby playoffs, while Steven Kitshoff, who is not eligible for to play for the Stormers as yet, is player No 14. No overseas based players have been invited.
The camp will run from Monday to Thursday. The full Bok squad for the Rugby Championship will gather in Port Elizabeth from August 8 to prepare for the competition.
Regarding the likelihood of Pollard and Cronje being involved for the Boks against Argentina, Australia and New Zealand, Coetzee said, “Our depth will be tested in certain positions, one of which is flyhalf. With Pat Lambie out for at least the next three months (with concussion problems), we have to ascertain what the progress is with Handre’s injury and what form he is in, while Lionel has grabbed his opportunities this year and is really playing well.”
Players invited to camp: Handre Pollard, Lood de Jager, Jan Serfontein, Rudy Paige, Lizo Gqoboka, Jesse Kriel, Trevor Nyakane, Uzair Cassiem, Ox Nche, Oupa Mohoje, Raymond Rhule, Francois Venter, Lionel Cronje, Steven Kitshoff.