Morné Steyn says it has been tough to adapt to the rugby and language in France.

The Bok flyhalf arrived at Stade Français in mid-2013 with a big reputation, but has spent a lot of time on the bench with France's Jules Plisson preferred at 10.

'It's been difficult to adapt, the whole language thing, especially in our game plan where the No 10 is making most of the calls,' Steyn told AFP. 'To get that confidence to speak on the field and be part of the leadership group is tough, but things are getting better. We have French classes every day and it's coming on slowly. C'est tres difficile!

'The main reason why it's so difficult is I'm here for six months and then I go back again for four months to South Africa, so it's not the whole time with the Stade Français team.'

Steyn has also lost his Bok No 10 jersey since moving to France, with Pat Lambie and Handré Pollard moving ahead of him in the pecking order.

'Competition is always good because it always keeps you on your toes. Between 2009 and 2013, I started all the games and it's time for a new generation to come,' said Steyn, who still hopes to go to the World Cup in England.

'There's still a long year to go so we'll talk to the coaches and they'll let me know. Hopefully I can be picked for the Rugby Championship before the World Cup and maybe prove my point there.'

Photo: Lionel Bonaventure/AFP Photo