Super-calm, super-sub

– Frans Steyn (above) is South Africa’s cool and collected super-sub, according to coach Rassie Erasmus, and also the sole survivor of the Springbok team that last won the World Cup in 2007.

Steyn, now 32, came into the World Cup in Japan as one of only 15 players who had also played in the 2007 tournament in France.

Twelve years ago, Steyn, then just 20, started the final at inside centre and kicked one 49-metre penalty as the Boks ran out 15-6 winners at the Stade de France against England – their opponents in Yokohama today.

“I’m just enjoying the week,” Steyn said when asked about the build-up to the final, after Erasmus named him on the bench.

“The last time it wasn’t so serious for me. I was a little bit young and I just thought there would be another opportunity.

“Now it’s a little bit more serious because I know there won’t be another opportunity. It doesn’t come along every day to play in a final and we have to make it count.”

Steyn had played just 10 matches, at fly-half, for the Sharks in the 2006 Currie Cup Premier Division when he was picked for the Springboks’ autumn tour by then-coach Jake White.

At 19, he made a try-scoring debut on the wing against Ireland, before moving to fullback for his second game, against England, scoring a memorable long-range drop-goal from inside his own half.

His ease at playing anywhere in the backline did not go unnoticed and he signed a lucrative, three-year contract with Racing-Metro in 2009.

He played for the Boks again at the 2011 World Cup. –

Tokyo