Frans Steyn is applying lessons from mentors such as Rassie Erasmus as the double World Cup winner guides the Cheetahs through his rookie coaching season.
The Springbok legend celebrated World Cup glory under Erasmus at Japan 2019, 12 years after lifting the Webb Ellis Trophy with Jake White, now director of rugby at the Vodacom Bulls.
Speaking in a wide-ranging interview with Rapport, Steyn outlined his coaching philosophy: “I definitely base my coaching methods on guys who coached me. I try to do what has worked for me. I use what has been good from coaches.
“Then you just take advice from guys who are currently coaching and who have been coaching much longer than us.”
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Steyn, alongside assistants Ruan Pienaar and Izak van der Westhuizen, recently secured Currie Cup qualification for the Cheetahs with a spot in the SA Cup semi-finals.
“We’re trying to find our way of exactly how we want to do things,” said the 37-year-old, who played 78 Tests between 2006 and 2022.
Appointed Cheetahs director of rugby in early 2024, Steyn has embraced his expanded role as head coach this season. “I see things differently than when I was a player or just the director of rugby,” he added.
“I get to deal with more things that happen behind the scenes. It’s going much better. We’re learning as we go, but it’s quite a challenge to find the right way to communicate with the players so that they understand exactly what you want.
“It’s nice to see when your plans work out.”
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
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