Ex Sa Rugby Mag
Morné Steyn is the best flyhalf option available to the Springboks and deserving of a place in my ideal Fans' XV, writes JON CARDINELLI.(Now I am posting this here because it is essential that some misguided posters realise that their views, as much as they love beating their tired drums, are not commonly held.)
My selection is based on form. Steyn has bounced back from a terrible 2012 season to reclaim his title as the best in world rugby in tactical kicking and at goal. He was an asset to the Bulls this past season and carried that form through to the June Tests. There's no doubt that he will be an asset to the Springboks in the Rugby Championship, where the margins are small and the territorial game is so important.
I've been one of Steyn's biggest critics in recent years, citing his defence and attack in the flyhalf channel as unforgivable weaknesses. But 2013 has witnessed an improvement in these areas. Steyn may not be as dominant as Butch James on defence, but he has been much improved. On attack, he's taken the ball flatter and played with more confidence. Part of this stems from the performance of his pack, both the Bulls' and Boks', but it really does appear as if he has undergone a shift in mindset.
If you consider the big picture, South Africa is well-stocked for flyhalves. However, if you sharpen the focus and see what's available in terms of the current season, it's clear that coach Heyneke Meyer shouldn't be looking further than Steyn. Johan Goosen won't be back until 2014 and Pat Lambie is not playing with the required authority and control (Didnt think there waas too much wrong with Lambie). Steyn will be the Boks' best bet in the coming tournament.
Well I agree and its a pretty obvious conclusion if one objectively considers matters. The key word being "objectively"!!!
