Peter de Villiers critical of Morne Steyn’s current performance: 2011 Rugby World Cup
South African Rugby Union (SARU) national team’s head coach, Peter de Villiers, has expressed his concern regarding the current performance of their talented back, Morne Steyn. De Villiers added that unless he sees a remarkable difference in the on-field
performance by Steyn in their upcoming encounter against the All Blacks, his selection in the final 30-man squad for 2011 Rugby World Cup (RWC) is very much over.
De Villiers made his comments on Friday, July 29, ahead of Springboks Saturday, July 30, Tri Nations encounter against the All Blacks.
De Villiers said, “Sometimes tough decisions need to be made before a World Cup, and for Morne this could be the last chance, or the only chance, for him to get back the form that made him invincible in 2009.”
Bulls fly half Steyn played very well in the 2011 Super Rugby championship. He finished the tournament as the second highest point scorer of the championship.
Bellville born Steyn has been a permanent member of the Springboks squad for the last couple of years. Since his debut in 2009, he has played 29 international tests for Boks and scored 328 points.
Recently, Steyn has been facing tough competition to retain his place in the final squad. Currently, his poor form is also not helping his cause to retain his place in the squad. He started as fly half in the Boks 2011 Tri Nations opener against the Wallabies.
De Villiers has now shifted Steyn to the number 15 or full back position for Saturday’s encounter against the All Blacks. He has confirmed that if Lambie delivers from the match in the position, then he will be preferred over Steyn.
In addition to Lambie, Morne also faces tough competition from the Springboks World Cup winner fly half, Butch James.
De Villiers further added, “I don't have favourites and I don't have friends because they tend to let you down, as do players, but if the players understand that they can bring hope to their country by playing well, they should go to the World Cup and not
stay at home."
De Villiers confirmed that he will not make any hasty decision regarding the fly half, and has hinted he wants to see the candidate perform in the remaining Tri Nations and Currie Cup games.
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