Nienaber goes easy on veteran Frans Steyn after iffy Pumas performance: 'Hats off to him'

In Durban

Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber said hats needed to be doffed to Frans Steyn for filling in at 10 as the Boks deal with a crisis in the position.

Steyn, who last played 10 for the Springboks against Italy in Cape Town 14 years ago, had an indifferent tactical and inexplicably nervy showing in Saturday's 38-21 win against Argentina at Kings Park on Saturday.

Steyn played the bulk of his formative rugby at 10 and 12 at school, but once he moved to the professional ranks, he played wherever he was required.

READ | Boks down Pumas, but fail in their Rugby Championship quest

Nienaber said Steyn, who at least was on song from the tee as his tactical kicking and touch-finders deserted him, had to be credited for answering the crisis call in the position.

Nienaber also said they're closer to sorting out their flyhalf depth conundrum as to the start of the international season.

The Boks had Handre Pollard and Damian Willemse (who was at the ground) out injured while Elton Jantjies wasn't part of the squad.

Johan Goosen made his return from injury in the Bulls' 33-31 United Rugby Championship win against Edinburgh at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

READ | Nienaber credits Boks for 'full-on' performance: 'We can't fault the effort'

"There was this big issue of who was going to be the flyhalf and hats off to Frans for this game," Nienaber said.

"He had to slot in there in a very short time and he'll just get better with time. We had two names penciled in at the position with the question of Damian being good enough to play there.

"We always knew we had Johan Goosen with us, and he was returning from injury and I think he played at 15 for the Bulls.

"I'll watch that game in detail during the week, but I think we're in a better position