Mozart's hero's performance for Stade Francais

The following is the stats for Steyn - who at last got a chance to start for Stade Francais in a at home  game against Newcastle F alcons - please note this is a second level game in the European Club competition scenario:-

Morne did carry the ball in some cases - but never beat a single defendent.   However, he also contributed to a try being scored and from that perspective it was a huge iprovement on his standard playing style.  He converted three kicks at goal after tries were awarded. 

On the negative side he was not able to beat a single defender and  - according to a report by a perso who saw the game - his kicking  was grossly inaccurate resuting in three possession losses - while his defense showed a slight immprovement on his lastest game for the Springboks - his missed tackle ratio was down to 20%.

Bearing in mind the level of the game played -he showed some improveent on lower level - but it certainly is not enough to warrant a place in the Springbok team.

On the othr hand Goosen played on the top level club competition for Racing Metro in an away game and although not a particularly strong game - his stats showed a player above Morne in class:-

His kicking game was more accurrate than Morne's and he did show more in running with the ball - beating a defender and off-loading a ball.   His goal kikcing was more accurate - but his defence was worse than it normally is.   I also do not like the idea of giving away penalties - but that isoften the resultof non=protection of the tackled ball by teammates.

I wouldsay a better performance on higher level away from home - than Morne's at hpome on lower level.

I watched the game, he got charged down in his 22 trying a chip kick and Newcastle scored a try from it, he also missed 3 of his first four kicks at goal.

He made one smart pass in the first half when they had an overlap.

His restarts were poor as well as his tactical kicking

Mike maybe you should refrain from commenting on matches based on stats alone......its pretty short sighted.

Like your take on Swiels match.........where in fact he had some nice touches, nothing earth shattering but certainly not as average as you made out to be based on stats alone.

But saying that, Swiel has not yet fulfilled the potential he showed at school and U20 level. Whether he does, time will tell.......he needs more exposure and a hard edge if he is going to make it.