Springbok scrumhalf Faf de Klerk grabbed plenty of attention during the Cheetahs’ convincing 43-21 win when television cameras caught him using a two-way radio to communicate directly with the coaching staff.

While the sight of a player speaking to coaches during a match sparked debate, the concept is far from new. Similar communication methods have been used before, although they have often been frowned upon. More commonly, messages are relayed onto the field through assistant coaches or members of the medical staff stationed on the touchline.

Faf de Klerk. Photo: Morgan Piek

Whatever was discussed between the two World Cup-winning Springboks appeared to have the desired effect, with the Cheetahs taking control of the contest after a closely fought opening period.

De Klerk has already shown his value since arriving in Bloemfontein. On debut, he played a key role in the Cheetahs’ tense 29-27 victory over the Lions, and against the Sharks he produced another commanding display that earned him the Player of the Match award. While wing Prince Nkabinde’s hat-trick made him a worthy contender for the honour, De Klerk’s influence on the game was undeniable.

For Steyn, open communication is a valuable tool rather than a controversial talking point.

“Look, I think we have a relationship because we played together, but I’ve played with a lot of the guys here as well,“ said Steyn.

“I try to treat everybody the same. I treat Faf the same way I treat Neels.

“If a player feels something on the field, I like them to take the radio and tell me what they’re feeling. I’m not out there on the field. It’s different when you’re playing than when you’re sitting up here. We see different things than what they experience out there.”

Prince Nkabinde powers over for this hat-trick try. Photo: Morgan Piek

“I really like that. If Neels wants to take the radio and tell me something, I’ll tell him what I see, and together we can find a solution. It’s good to get to those solutions quickly. I think when we spoke, it did change things a bit in the game, and I think Faf went on to score shortly afterwards.

“I don’t have a problem with it at all. I love it. We’re all equal. Like I said, we’re hardworking, normal people who come in every day, work hard and try to achieve something great here.”

The Cheetahs now face what could be their toughest assignment of the season when they head down the N8 to Kimberley on Friday to take on the defending Currie Cup champions, the Suzuki Griquas.

The last meeting between the two fierce rivals produced a dramatic finish, with the Cheetahs edging the Griquas 32-31 in Bloemfontein in the SA Cup to secure their place in this year’s Currie Cup after narrowly avoiding relegation to the First Division.

The Griquas, meanwhile, will be brimming with confidence after dismantling the Bulls 56-26 in Kimberley at the weekend.

Friday night’s OFM Challenge Cup derby at the Suzuki Stadium in Kimberley kicks off at 19:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg