Ex Supersport
Springbok flyhalf Morne Steyn attributes his sudden return to form in the Green and Gold to one little thing – the two-week mental break he was given at the end of the Vodacom Super Rugby series.
Steyn, who won the man-of-the-match award for his near faultless display in the 27-6 win over Argentina on Saturday in Cape Town, bounced back after a disappointing season with the Bulls, and one where his Springbok credentials were openly questioned by several in the public. (no one minds the questioning but some went way beyond that - notably the snapster!!)
But after four seasons of non-stop rugby, where Steyn has now played a mammoth 108 matches since 2009 – the biggest workload by any Bok player – it is understandable why a two-week mental break can make a significant difference.
Steyn showed that if he isn’t continually played into the ground, he is still a match-winner who South Africa can really not do without, especially without proper back-up at the moment.
And Steyn has showed his critics, even if they don’t want to acknowledge it, that he can play a varied game. Since the test series against England, he hardly finds himself in the pocket, making the mindshift to play a more attacking-minded game with the backing of Bok coach Heyneke Meyer.
The Bok pivot was understandably relieved after Saturday’s performance, especially as the pressure had begun to take its toll.
“I think there was little different in the way I was approaching my kicking. What has changed between the last few games and this one against Argentina is that I had a two-week break,” he told supersport.com.
“It was the first time in years that I’ve had a mental break and it was awesome. My son was born recently, so there was probably a few things going through my mind in the past few months. But it was truly great to have two weeks just to be with my wife and son and not think about rugby.”
Steyn shrugs off the criticism, noting that the critics hardly ever have all the facts, and he is right. (in snapsters case very right - hahahahahahahahahahaha) Steyn’s metres gained during the England series was in the top three in the team, and while his goalkicking was off, his general play took a step up and allowed the backline more freedom than before.
“Criticism will always be there,” he shrugs, “It’s the way South Africans are. Last year I kicked at 80 percent and everyone was okay, but this year I kick at 80 percent average in the Super Rugby competition and I was criticised.
"People don’t always have all the stats, they simply assume things about you. That’s the disappointing thing. You miss a few kicks and suddenly everyone forgets everything you have done in the past and they write you off. That’s why I only listen to certain people, not every second guy in the street.” (or sitting in the UK with his head in the sand!!)
Steyn has a point. He holds several Bok and World records, is the fastest points-scorer to 100, 200, 300 and 400 points in Bok rugby and is now the most-capped flyhalf in Bok history. He is also the only South African to pass 1 000 points in Super Rugby and second only to Dan Carter. (Ag man all that counts for nothing - just ask snapster and Mike!!! - bwahahahahahha)
Asked who gets his ear, Steyn spoke honestly: “Family, coaches, players and close friends. Those people who are with you week in and out and those who know what is happening in your life and support you. People on the outside think they know you and what is happening but they certainly don’t.”
Which is clear by the little credit he is given for changing his approach to the game. Steyn arrived at the Bulls as a running flyhalf (Agree), but was sucked into their more conservative style of play, something he is trying to shrug off at the moment to become a more complete player.
“I decided myself that it was something I wanted to do. I really didn’t have too much option in the past, and it was rather monotonous to play that way. I wanted to be able to move with the ball more, to run a bit flatter and I have started that. I feel it is one of the most important and correct decisions I’ve ever taken in my career.” (Please note snapster and Mike!)
Steyn knows all too well that Johan Goosen, the Bloemfontein wunderkid, is snapping at his heels. But he isn’t likely to give up his jersey too quickly.
“I rate Johan – he’s a fantastic young player and really had an unbelievable first year. But he has time and he needs more experience. It is important not to throw him in at the deep end too early. “(have to agree Morne but we have a lot of hotheads who want to rush him as fast as possible)
Steyn knows he will have to continue to match his game, but for a player who has broken so many records he won’t give up easily. (Glad to hear that)
Well i hpe Morne goes from strength to strength. Goosen can ease into the equation via the bench.
Beeno - favouring a sensible approach to the SA flyhalf matter. Hope Snapster and Mike (Yes and fellow travellers like muncher and sharkbok etc) are a lot wiser for reading this article.
