South African international flyhalf Morne Steyn revealed he would only start on the bench for Stade Francais in Friday’s Top 14 clash with Biarritz.
The 29-year-old – capped 47 times – only arrived from Argentina on Monday after helping the Springboks beat the Pumas 22-17 in a Four Nations Test.
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Steyn, first capped in 2009, was one of five Springboks allowed to return to their French clubs in between the Test with Argentina and their next Test with Australia on Saturday week.
However, Steyn said that while he was extremely keen to play his first game for his new club – he joined them from the Bulls in the European off-season – he would have to be patient.
“I am on the bench and we will see if the coach [Richard Pool-Jones] sends me on for a little game-time or not,” said Steyn.
“I have been here a few days and I feel terrific.”
Steyn said that, while fellow Boks like Toulon wing Bryan Habana and Racing-Metro lock Juande Kruger might start for their clubs, his position was a little more tricky.
“I am the link between the forwards and the backs and therefore I must understand the calls,” he said.
“It will be a bit more difficult for me but all the players are helping me and happily the coaches also speak English.
“Bryan Habana is on the wing and all he has to do is catch the ball and run with it,” he added with a smile.
Steyn praised Stade’s newly refurbished 20,000 seater Jean Bouin Stadium, which will host its’ first match on Friday, and said he had been impressed by 22-year-old Jules Plisson, who will start instead of him against Biarritz.
Plisson put up an excellent performance against Perpignan last weekend, his drop goal giving Stade a 28-27 victory.
“I followed that game on Twitter. It is good to see the young enjoying themselves and playing well,” said Steyn, who refused to accept their respective roles were that of teacher and pupil.
All the Boks who joined their French clubs this week – Morné Steyn (Stade Francais), Bryan Habana (Toulon), Juandré Kruger (Racing Metro), Gurthrö Steenkamp and Jano Vermaak (both Toulouse) – will rejoin the Springbok team for the Australasian leg of their Rugby Championship campaign.
South Africa face Australia in Brisbane next Saturday, 7 September, and then take on New Zealand in Auckland a week later.