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'Has to be called back into Springbok squad': The former Bok playmaker making a strong case for a national recall
With Montpellier flyhalf Handre Pollard making his comeback from an ACL injury after nearly a year on the sidelines, the Springboks have been left short on other options at No 10.
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One player putting his hand up is the man Pollard eventually took over from as South Africa’s premier playmaker, Morne Steyn.
After returning to South Africa from Europe to re-join the Bulls last year, the Springboks’ second-highest point scorer in test rugby has found himself in great form in the Rainbow Cup, piloting his side to a 43-9 romp over the Sharks on Saturday.
Under Jake White, the Bulls have become a defensive power again, winning three from three and conceding just 34 points while every other team has conceded over 90.
Steyn, meanwhile, led his side around the park, passed crisply and masterfully kicked goals to dismantle the Sharks with seven successful attempts on goal from as many attempts, racking up a personal tally of 19 points.
The 36-year-old looked in sublime touch, so much so that some have suggested that he is playing better than when he last pulled on the Springboks jersey against the All Blacks in 2016.
His form hasn’t gone unnoticed by fans and pundits, with many calling for Steyn to play a part in the upcoming British and Irish Lions tour.
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One aspect of Steyn’s game that fans have admired in recent weeks is his ability to close out games, as he did in the second test of the 2009 Lions tour where he kicked 10 points, including the critical long-range penalty to secure the win and the series.
Morne Steyn has to be called back to the springbok squad. He is in incredible form yessis
— Lwandle (@TheUltimate_ZA) May 16, 2021
If Pollard isn’t fit, Morne Steyn has to be in the 10 jersey @Springboks
— LEBANESE SMOKE BENDER (@Callme_Stunner) May 16, 2021
Morne Steyn for Springbok 10
— Darth Faded (@faya_04) May 15, 2021
The term ‘armchair general’ is typically used disparagingly. However, I can’t think of a more fitting term for Morne Steyn.
It’s amazing how relaxed he is when controlling play. His tactical kicking and distribution yesterday were fantastic. Morne Brady. #StillHere #NeverLeft
— AP Cronje (@rugby_ap) May 16, 2021
Another morning reading about Morne Steyn and the Boks in the same sentence from SA Rugby Mag.
Buggers really giving it their all in writing him into Bok squad.
— Tom, Dick & Harry (@TNJ12) May 16, 2021
He’s been part of the Bok alignment camps. And the word is that the squad is set to be 47 players – so it wouldn’t surprise me if he made it.
— AP Cronje (@rugby_ap) May 16, 2021
Vermeulen is the Springbok captain, he is a magnificent leader, kolisi is good but Vermeulen is world class. And the Bulls pack bullied the sharks into submission. It was a phenomenal forward exhibition. Let’s not forget Morne Steyn, still world class too!
— leonard gray (@lenny619) May 16, 2021
Jirre, 47! I may even make the squad in that case. Be very interested to see if Steyn is used. I am usually not a fan of youth missing out on a chance to prove themselves but in this case I think he has plenty to offer, especially when it comes to closing out games.
— Keith Moore (@akeithmoore) May 16, 2021
Following his emphatic victory over fellow Springboks hopeful and Sharks pivot Curwin Bosch in Pretoria, The South African journalist James Richardson wrote Steyn is the “obvious choice” to wear the No 10 jersey against the Lions.
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“Since returning to South African rugby, Morne Steyn has re-established himself as the pre-eminent flyhalf in the country,” Richardson wrote.
“With Handre Pollard still trying to find his feet after returning from injury, it now seems like Steyn is the obvious choice to don the Springboks number ten jersey.”
Richardson explained that while Steyn isn’t the “most exciting option”, he is capable of orchestrating proceedings with his passing and kicking game.
He added that Steyn deserves to be picked over Pollard, who has yet to prove his fitness for Montpellier, while the 66-test Bulls star is in great form.
Craig Lewis of SA Rugby Magazine, meanwhile, argued there is significant merit for Steyn’s inclusion, as a starter or otherwise, suggesting he could fill a valuable player-coach role within the squad if not needed on the field.
“Despite his age – and the preconception that he may be ‘over the hill’ – Steyn continues to play some emphatically assured rugby for the Bulls,” Lewis wrote.
“If there are any untimely injuries, the Springboks could do a whole lot worse than to have Steyn slotting into the flyhalf channel during high-pressure situations.”
Having been invited to the Springboks alignment camps, it seems Steyn is a chance at earning a recall that would bring his career full circle after he debuted against the British and Irish Lions when they last visited South Africa 12 years ago.
Former Springboks have previously made their way back into the squad under director of rugby Rassie Erasmus’ watch, with Schalk Brits earning national selection in 2018 after three seasons without a test.
Francois Steyn also found his way back into the World Cup squad as a utility back having spent a year away from the Springboks in 2018.
Steyn will have the chance to add to his case for a shock Springboks call-up this weekend when the Bulls travel to Johannesburg to take on the Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday.
Comments on RugbyPass
pure fire
1 Go to commentsA very well thought out summary of all the relevant complications…agree with your ”refer the Cricket Test versus 20/20 comparison”. More also definitely doesn't necessarily mean better!
1 Go to commentsMust be something when you are only 19 y.o and both NZ and France want you. Btw he wasn’t the only new caledonian in french U20 as Robin Couly also lived in Noumea until 17. Hope he’s successful wherever he chooses to play.
7 Go to comments“Several key players in the Stade Rochelais squad are in their thirties” South Africans are going to hate the implications of that comment!
5 Go to commentsI know Leinster did a job on La Roche but shortly after HT Leinster were 30-13 ahead of them and at a similar time Toulouse were trailing Exeter. At 60 mins Leinster were 27 ahead but after 67 mins Toulouse were only 19 ahead before Exeter collapsed. That’s heavier scoring by Leinster against the Champions. I think people are looking at Toulouses total a little too much. I also think Northhampton are in with a real chance, albeit I’d put Leinster as favourites. If Leinster make the final I expect them to win by more than ten and with control.
5 Go to commentsHey Nick, your match analysis is decent but the top and tail not so much, a bit more random. For a start there’s a seismic difference in regenerating any club side over a test team. EJ pretty much had to urinate with the appendage he’d been given at test level whereas club success is impacted hugely by the budget. Look no further than Boudjellal’s Toulon project for a perfect example. The set ups at La Rochelle and Leinster are like chalk and cheese and you are correct that Leinster are ahead. Leinster are not just slightly ahead though, they are light years ahead on their plans, with the next gen champions cup team already blooded, seasoned and developing at speed from their time manning the fort in the URC while the cream play CC and tests. They have engineered a strong talent conveyor belt into their system, supported by private money funnelled into a couple of Leinster private schools. The really smart move from Leinster and the IRFU however is maximising the Irish Revenue tax breaks (tax relief on the best 10 years earnings refunded at retirement) to help keep all of their stars in Ireland and happy, while simultaneously funding marquee players consistently. And of course Barrett is the latest example. But in no way is he a “replacement for Henshaw”, he’s only there for one season!!! As for Rob Baxter, the best advice you can give him is to start lobbying Parliament and HMRC for a similar state subsidy, but don’t hold your breath… One thing Cullen has been very smart with is his coaching team. Very quickly he realised his need to supplement his skills, there was talk of him exiting after his first couple of years but he was extremely shrewd bringing in Lancaster and now Nienaber. That has worked superbly and added a layer that really has made a tangible difference. Apart from that you were bang on the money… 😉😂
5 Go to commentsNot sure exactly what went wrong for him at Glasgow but it’s pretty clear he ain’t Franco’s cup of tea. Suspect he would have been better served heading out of Scotland around the same time as Finn, Hoggy and Jonny!
1 Go to commentsBulls disrespected the Northampton supporters and the competition. Decide quickly, fully in or out.
25 Go to commentsI wonder if Parling was ever on England’s radar as a coach? Obviously Borthwick is a great lineout coach, but I do worry he might be taking on too much as both head coach and forwards coach.
1 Go to commentsJason Jenkins has one cap. When Etzebeth was his age he had over 80 caps. Experience matters. He will never amount to what Etzebeth has because he hasn’t been developed as an international player.
2 Go to commentsSays much about the player picking this gig over the easier and bigger rewards offered to him in Japan. Also says a lot about the state sanctioned tax benefits the Irish Revenue offers pro rugby players, with their ten highest earning years subject to an additional 40% tax relief and paid as a lump sum, in cash, at retirement. Certainly helps Leinster line up the financial ducks in a row to fund marquee signings like this!!! No other union anywhere in world rugby benefits from this kind of lucrative financial sponsorship from their government…
5 Go to commentsTrue Jordie could earn a lot more in Japan. But by choosing Leinster he’ll be playing with 1 of the best clubs in the world and can win a champions cup and URC…..
6 Go to commentsThanks for that Marshy, noticed you didn't say who is gonna win it. We know who ain't gonna win it - your Crusaders outfit. They've gone from having arguably the best Super Rugby first five ever, to having a clutch of rookies. Hurricanes all the way!
1 Go to commentsGeez you really have to question the NRLs ability to produce players of quality. Its pathetic. Dont the 25mil in Aus produce enough quality womens players. Sad.
1 Go to commentsBulls fan here, and agree 100% with the conclusion (and little else) of this article. SA sides should absolutely f-off from the champs cup until we get fair scheduling, equal support for travel arrangements and home semis. You know, like all the european teams get.
25 Go to commentsI’m yet to see why Grace would be an ABs contender. He’s pedestrian and lacks the dominance required of a top flight 8.
11 Go to commentsGee my Highlanders were terrible. They have gone backwards since the start of the season. The trouble began when we left Millar behind to prep as the 10 against the Brumbies and he was disconnected from the team that came back from Aussie. We rested Patchell for that game and we blew an avalanche of ball in good attacking positions in the 1st half. Against the Rebels we seem to of gone into a pod system with forwards hanging off from the breakdown leaving Fakatava to secure our ball!
80 Go to commentsPot Kettle, the English and French teams have done it for years.
25 Go to commentsHas virtually played every minute of previous games. Back row of Li Lo Willie , Grace and Blackadder would be the 1. Crusaders issue is a very average 1st 5 who cannot run. Kicking in general play is also below par They need to put Yong Kemara in. He must have so.e talent for them to bring him down from Waikato. Hoehepa would struggle to play in so.e club sided
11 Go to commentsI hope this a good thing making all these changes!
3 Go to comments