On Monday, the Springbok reported for training with the Cheetahs after having recovered from a knee niggle that kept him out of the End-of-Year tour.

Steyn picked up the injury during the recently concluded Toyota Challenge in Bloemfontein.

It's unlikely that Steyn will be ready to play on Friday when the Cheetahs face the Sharks in Durban in a warm-up game.

The Cheetahs' assistant coach, Charl Strydom, told OFM Sport they are delighted to have Steyn back on the training field.

"He is going to be very important for us, especially with the boot that he has," said Strydom.

"He has played in France for ten years, so we are definitely going to need his experience.

"He has been training hard in the gym, and today (Monday) was his first run out on the field.

"He looked excited, especially towards the end of his running.

"We need him - he's obviously, with everything that he has achieved - a kingpin for us.

"I'm sure that he is going to be fit and ready to go when we head over there."

Friday's EPCR Challenge Cup warm-up match between the Sharks and Cheetahs at Kings' Park kicks off at 15:00. On 25 November the Cheetahs will tackle the Griffons in Welkom in their second and last warm-up game before departing on 5 December.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport