Faf de Klerk’s Cheetahs form puts Springboks recall in focus

Frans Steyn has urged greater recognition for Faf de Klerk after the Springbok scrumhalf produced another influential performance for the Cheetahs.

De Klerk scored the decisive try in the Cheetahs’ 31-26 away victory over the Stormers on Sunday, darting from a ruck close to the hosts’ line before crossing the try line.

The result underlined De Klerk’s growing importance to the Cheetahs and prompted former Springbok team-mate Steyn to describe him as the best scrumhalf in the Currie Cup.

De Klerk has already featured for the Springboks against the Barbarians this year. However, he was not included in the squad selected for the Nations Championship and was also omitted when head coach Rassie Erasmus announced an extended training group for the Greatest Rivalry series.

Erasmus instead selected Grant Williams, Cobus Reinach, Morne van den Berg and Herschel Jantjies as his scrumhalves.

Speaking after the Cheetahs’ win over the Stormers, Steyn highlighted De Klerk’s value and suggested his performances provided a benchmark for other players.

“He’s the best nine, and people can tell me whatever they want, but he’s a good yardstick for players to see where they’re at, and where they need to improve.”

The 32-year-old De Klerk’s try came during a match in which the Cheetahs held on for a five-point victory away from home, with his ability to identify and exploit space around the ruck proving decisive.

Steyn was more guarded when asked whether De Klerk should still be considered for selection by the Springboks. Rather than comment directly on Erasmus’ choices, Steyn stressed that his immediate responsibility was to the Cheetahs.

“I don’t want to get involved! I’m not picking the Springbok team, I’m picking the Cheetahs,” Steyn said.

The former Springbok also made clear how highly the Cheetahs value having De Klerk in their squad, while joking that the scrumhalf could eventually replace him.

“We’re so happy to have him. Hopefully one day he’ll take my job, and I’ll get fired and all of that, and he can make a bigger impact in Free State rugby.

“It’s a big thing for us to have Faf. It’s massive.”

De Klerk’s omission from Erasmus’ latest wider training squad means he is not currently among the four scrumhalves selected for the Springboks’ preparations for the Greatest Rivalry series. His form for the Cheetahs, however, has ensured that his international credentials remain part of the conversation.

Steyn’s comments came after De Klerk delivered the match-winning moment against the Stormers, adding weight to the argument that the experienced No 9 remains one of the leading performers in the Currie Cup.