There is a thin line between hero and zero for openside flankers in Super Rugby, but Stegmann has been consistently getting it right for the Vodacom Bulls over a number of seasons at this level. A six month stint from the game due to injury will see the hard-working flanker not only fit and ready for 2014, but also fresh and keen to deliver.
Stegmann will have legitimate claims to get himself back into national contention and adding to his test tally by contributing in all facets of team play, but it will be his ground work and appreciation of the referee’s applications of the law that could make him a MVP.