Boks on Tour
Steyn: Wind is a big challenge
2009-11-24 17:35
Morné Steyn (Gallo Images)
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Dublin - Springbok flyhalf Morné Steyn carried a slightly bemused look after the Boks touched down at Dublin Airport on Sunday when he stepped into a howling gale.
The icy wind was a signal that Saturday’s kicking conditions at Croke Park against Ireland would be extremely difficult, especially for someone used to the benign Highveld conditions at Loftus Versfeld.
“Tactical kicking is going to be a battle and we don’t like the wind and the weather so it will make it extra difficult,” Steyn said.
“I was walking to the airport terminal with Fourie du Preez on Sunday and we decided that of the wind continues to blow like that we might have to kick the ball more, although we possibly have to keep it lower.”
Steyn has enjoyed a remarkable season, which started by ending as leading Super 14 points scorer, steering the Boks to a series victory over the British & Irish Lions with a 53-metre penalty at Loftus Versfeld and scoring 31 points in a single game against the All Blacks.
But he’s remarkably managed to keep his feet on the ground and despite the importance of Saturday’s clash, he seems his usual serene self.
“I’ve had two kicking sessions here already and will have another two before the match so I’m confident that I can figure it out,” Steyn said.
“It’s not the easiest conditions to kick in, but we can’t control it so we have to do what we can.
“The thought of losing to Ireland doesn’t put any extra pressure on me personally because we’ve had such a great year.
“We want to end on a high note and a loss with take some of the gloss off of it. So it’s up to us to make sure we end on a high note.”