Steyn: 'We can still make it'
Wed, 07 May 2008 14:59
Supremely confident: Francois Steyn
Sharks utility back Francois Steyn is still confident that his team can make the semifinals despite having to rely on other results going their way.
The Sharks' season got off to a great start with six wins in a row. Then they went on tour and were only able to accumulate seven points from their five matches abroad.
They now find themselves well behind the eight-ball needing 10 points from their final two games and hoping other results go their way.
The World Cup-winning Steyn spoke exclusively to rugby365.com and revealed his team are as determined as ever to reach the play-offs.
"The team spirit is very good and in spite of the losses we had overseas, this has not dampened our determination to reach the semifinals," said a resilient Steyn.
"We are looking forward to our last two home games," added the 20-year-old.
The Sharks final game of their tour was against the table-topping Crusaders. The Sharks were desperate to win in Christchurch but the adverse weather conditions on the day meant that they were unable to play the way they wanted.
A 10-18 defeat meant the Sharks got nothing out of the game. Considering they dominated the second half they must have felt aggrieved that were unable to at least get a bonus point.
The mercurial Sharks youngster said the his team were unlucky not to get a point but added that the weather really made things tough.
"We had prepared really hard for this game, as we do for all our matches, but yes our aim was to win," emphasised Steyn.
"It was a really close game right until the end and it could have gone either way.
"But there were so many factors you have to take into consideration too - like the weather and the bounce of the ball.
"It certainly didn't help our cause and in this case, there was even a massive hail storm before the game and the temperature was freezing cold - well at least that is what it felt like to me," he quipped.
The Sharks face the Cheetahs in Durban on Saturday and need all five points to keep their play-off hopes alive.
Injuries continue to hamper the Sharks' preparation for the weekend with skipper Johan Muller, Bismarck du Plessis and Brad Barritt all doubtful to take the field on Saturday. Three big names, but Steyn is adamant that they are preparing as best they can.
"Our preparations for all the games are always very thorough and every effort is made to minimise injuries by being supremely fit," he said.
"We train hard all the time, and this game will be no different despite the number of injuries to key players," he added.
Mother nature has not been too kind to the Sharks this season with the majority of their games being played in adverse conditions. This could be the reason why the Sharks have only scored 20 tries from their 11 matches.
Steyn explained that the weather that greeted them on their five-week tour was far from ideal.
"Yes, the weather was really bad," he said. "It rained for the entire trip except for three days and obviously playing in the rain and on wet fields with a wet ball requires a different approach than when the field and the ball is dry.
"Our tactics will be adapted accordingly," Steyn said of his team's need to score tries on Saturday.
Steyn has played in four positions this season - flyhalf, fullback, No.12 and No.13 - but despite him having to adjust virtually every week to a new position, Steyn is happy as long as he is on the field.
"As long as I am playing for the Sharks I don't mind where I land up playing on the day," he said.
"I am just happy to play in any position where they feel I can contribute. Although the positions are different I feel I have adapted well," he added.
Sports Illustrated carried an interview earlier this month that quoted Steyn as saying flyhalf was his ideal position.
So was it? "Well it is my preferred position," said the shaggy-haired youngster.
A win on Saturday for the Sharks could mean that the final game of the round-robin stages could decide who goes through to the play-offs. The Sharks host the Chiefs in what could be a virtual quarterfinal.
Despite the potential scenario the Sharks could face next week, Steyn said that his team's focus was solely on beating the Cheetahs on Saturday.
"We are always focused on the game that week, we never tend to look beyond the immediate encounter," he said. "It is always one game at a time."
After a long and unsuccessful tour in Australasia, Steyn said it was great to be back in Durban for their final two games.
"It is truly great to be back home, particularly in terms of the weather and sleeping in your own bed and being able to relax with your friends," an enthusiastic Steyn said.
"So yes, it certainly does motivate us to end the season on a high.
"The team is keen to justify the faith that the fans have in us which motivates us to a great extent," concluded Steyn.
There is no doubting that Steyn will be pivotal in giving the Sharks every possibility of making the play-offs.
What number he wears on his back is immaterial.
By Steve Farrell
