Francois Steyn denies there is anything wrong

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ALL FINE: Francois Steyn has moved to quell any disquiet over his recent absence from the Springboks.

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Frans Steyn has moved to quell any disquiet over his recent absence from the Springboks and says he is ready to give his best against the Wallabies in the Tri-Nations test at Loftus Versfeld early Sunday (NZ time).

Addressing a press conference at the team hotel in Pretoria, Steyn said: "It is great to be back in the squad and I am looking forward to playing for the Springboks again".

The France-based fullback has been at the centre of media attention recently after injury prevented him from attending the Springbok training camp and ruled him out for the test against the All Blacks in Soweto.

He played for his French club Racing-Metro the weekend that the All Blacks completed their season sweep over the Boks at the National Stadium.

It had been speculated his continued absence from the Boks squad had been down to a disintegration in his relationship with coach Peter de Villiers.

Responding to questions about the injury that prevented his release, Steyn said: "That is irrelevant now.  What is important for me is that I am here to play rugby. I am determined to help the team do well at the weekend".

Steyn also clarified the delay in his release to play for the Boks saying that there were certain French Rugby Federation (FFR) regulations that had to be followed.

He also dismissed speculation that his relationship with the Springbok coach Peter de Villiers was strained.

"There is nothing wrong.  There may have been a minor breakdown in communication but we respect each other and are both focused on getting a result against Australia at the weekend".

Steyn said preparations for the weekend's test had gone well.

"It is always an honour to play for the Springboks, I have enjoyed the week and look forward to the game. There was an improvement in the team's performance last week and hopefully we can go one step further this weekend".

He added that he did not foresee any problems playing at fullback after featuring at flyhalf and centre for Racing-Metro.

"I don't pick myself and I must play where I am selected. I am ready to give it my best wherever I play. I am confortable playing at fullback and I am lucky to have experienced wings like Bryan (Habana) and JP (Pietseren) to support me," Steyn said.

- © Fairfax NZ News