‘Frans is a quality player’

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer says he has a good relationship with Frans Steyn.

Steyn made himself unavailable for national selection last year after a much publicised contractual spat with Saru, and is currently serving out a five-week suspension for a tip tackle.

'I haven't had any problems with Frans,' Meyer told The Star's Kevin McCullum. 'It wasn't between me and Frans. We've got a good relationship. 

'He came back quite late from Japan, so I haven't spent time with him [this year]. I don't believe there should be egos going into a World Cup. It's not about me, it's about the bigger picture and the World Cup. I'll give everything to win that World Cup for the country.

'Frans is a quality player and if he's on form we know what he's capable of.'

Meanwhile, Meyer confirmed that Fourie du Preez, who is back from Japan but won't play in the Vodacom Super Rugby tournament before the Rugby Championship, has been put on a fitness programme, and that captain Jean de Villiers is on track to return to full fitness for the World Cup.

Photo: Carl Fourie/Gallo Images

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