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September 29, 2021

Plastic factor can help Warriors

Posted by Editor on September 29, 2021 11:41 AM | No comments | Print | E-mail author

Kyle Steyn
Kyle Steyn thinks the Warriors can use their home environment to their advantage when they take on league newcomers Sharks at Scotstoun on Saturday.

The Durban-based side are one of four new teams from Steyn's native South Africa to join the rebranded United Rugby Championship. Saturday's match will be the first time the Warriors will have had a full crowd behind them for a competitive game in more than 18 months.

Scotland international Steyn admits the artificial Scotstoun pitch took a bit of getting used to when he first arrived in 2019.

"I'm looking forward to it, it will be good to have these guys over here," Steyn said. "I don't think any of them have played on a 4G pitch before and certainly not in this kind of weather. Certainly coming over from South Africa the first time you get out on it, it's something completely different. The bounce of the ball is definitely a wee bit harder.

"So it will be refreshing in terms of the style of game they will try to play and we will try to match that. They will bring over some incredible competition, especially once they have got their Springboks back. Teams like the Bulls had a tough weekend but they will be able to bounce back and get really competitive.

"And going to South Africa and winning there is going to be a tough ask. It's a big place to go to get an away win, so there's the added challenge of that too. But I can't wait for a full Scotstoun."

A hamstring injury limited Steyn's opportunities last season and the cancellation of Scotland's summer tour has meant an extended period on the sidelines, so he's looking to make up for lost time. Steyn added: "I haven't had a pre-season in ages. I missed pre-season when I first came over and then, yeah... so this is the first one I've had since I've been in Scotland.

"And it was nice to have the downtime that comes before pre-season and refresh after the last 18 months where things have been strict through Covid. So it was nice to just relax, have a slow build-up and get the body feeling good and in good shape. So feeling good to go, which is exciting."