SARugbymag.co.za's panel of experts on whether Frans Steyn should be recalled to the Bok squad in 2015.
CORNÉ KRIGE (former Stormers and Bok flank)
'If he plays well enough, he should be included. Not only has he represented South Africa at two World Cups, Frans is also the most experienced centre available for selection. In my mind, I can't see him not going to the World Cup. He's a dream selection for any coach and it will be unfair of Saru to expect Heyneke Meyer to overlook Frans, especially if Meyer wants him in the squad. Surely the dispute between the parties is not insurmountable. Frans still needs a bit of work, form wise, but that'll come once he's adjusted to the pace of Super Rugby again. His long-distance kicking is unrivalled in world rugby, and most teams will fear conceding penalties against the Boks. There's no reason Frans shouldn't wear a Springbok jersey again.'
JIMMY STONEHOUSE (former Pumas coach)
'Yes! His experience will add value to the Boks. He's looking very fit and much more mobile than in previous years. He will have a big role to play at the World Cup in a few months time. He will benefit from knowing the Bok set-up and won't need much of an introduction. His stint in France [with Racing Métro] allows him to know the wet conditions and it's widely known that these will be the conditions in the World Cup. Steyn's attributes of carrying the ball over the advantage line, moving around the field, strong defence, and the ability to kick match-winning penalties from 60m, will entirely benefit the Boks.'
BRAAM VAN STRAATEN (former Stormers and Bok flyhalf)
'Of course he should be recalled, he's the best inside back South Africa has ever produced and with the right attitude, Frans Steyn can be the best centre in world rugby. The Boks definitely need his services if they want to win the Rugby Championship and the World Cup. Damian de Allende is an excellent player, but Steyn is a proven match-winner. And with the World Cup in England, his kicking could potentially be the key factor in the Boks' campaign. Frans's all-round ability to attack, defend, kick, combined with his strong ball-carrying, has him in the inside lane for the 12 jersey.'
WAYNE FYVIE (former Sharks and Bok flank)
'Frans should be recalled, without a shadow of a doubt. He is a complete player who has the sort of big-match temperament very rarely seen in South African players. From what I've seen in the two Super Rugby matches he's played in, he looks in good shape. He's lost weight and looks much fitter, so obviously the time in Japan has done him good. He adds value to any team he plays in and injury permitting, I hope he gets the chance to do so again for the Boks, he deserves it. He's a class act on the field.'
ADRIAN JACOBS (former Sharks and Bok centre)
'Well, if he's not selected, it'll be a travesty. On the field, Frans is one of those players who brings out the best in his teammates. And if Heyneke Meyer wants him in the Bok squad, he should demand the administrators and the player resolve their issues at any cost. We can't have petty politics hamper our quest for World Cup glory. Obviously, Frans has to come to the party and own up to the fact he also contributed to this whole saga and could have handled things differently. A compromise is needed for the sake of Bok rugby. Frans Steyn was born to perform on the big stage, and with no disrespect to Jan Serfontein and Damian de Allende, they just don't have the all-round qualities he has. With the uncertainty over Jean de Villiers's availability for the global showpiece, Steyn's experience and leadership in that midfield is a must. He still has a lot to offer at Test level.'
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Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images