Grim prognosis on Frans Steyn's World Cup hopes: 'He can't even jog,' says Cheetahs coach

Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie offered an even grimmer prognosis of Frans Steyn's chances of making the World Cup squad, saying the utility back is in no shape to get back on the field, let alone jog.

The 36-year-old Steyn, who has won two World Cups with the Springboks while also representing them 76 times, has been waylaid by a knee injury that required surgery.

Steyn was seen as a central part of the Boks' planning, especially from a bench perspective, and also featured at flyhalf last year against Argentina.

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In last week's press conference in Pretoria, Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber seemed resigned to the fact that Steyn may not make the fitness grade for his fourth World Cup and this has appears to be further corroborated by Fourie.

Speaking at a virtual press conference on Tuesday ahead of his team's Currie Cup final against the Pumas on Saturday, Fourie, who was part of the coaching staff when the Cheetahs won the title in 2007, said Steyn wasn't confident of a return to the field soon.

"It will be difficult, and I can't see it happening, but miracles do happen," Fourie said.

"He himself isn't confident that he'll be able to play very soon again.

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"He can't even jog at the moment, so it's a long way to get back on the field and play at a standard that's good enough to go to the World Cup.

"He injured his knee earlier in the season and had to undergo an operation.

"He's still in the rehabilitation process, so he's going to be out for another few months, so he won't be able to play."