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Cape Town - Former Springbok flyhalf Braam van Straaten says penalty kicks and drop goals will determine the Rugby World Cup winner.
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Van Straaten - who is the current the kicking coach of the Wallabies - believes history will repeat itself at the upcoming tournament in New Zealand.
"Just look back in history, every World Cup has been won by kicks, whether its drop goals or place kicks. Teams that will apply pressure, will get points in this manner," Van Straaten told the Beeld newspaper.
And the kicking guru has no doubt that Morné Steyn should carry that burden for South Africa. According to Die Burger newspaper, Steyn was the most successful goal kicker in the Super Rugby tournament, with a success ratio of 79%. New Zealand's Dan Carter had 74% and Australia's James O'Connor 71%.
The Bok pivot was instrumental in the Boks' recent 18-5 win over the All Blacks in Port Elizabeth, when he succeeded with five out of five penalty kicks as well as a drop goal.
Van Straaten also said he would pick Pat Lambie should Steyn get injured. "Pat has shown he can perform well under pressure. He is a young chap with a strong head and his technique has improved immensely."
He also warned that the Australians won't hesitate to employ drop kicks during the tournament.
"Two World Cup's have been won by drop kicks.
"Actually three, if you include Stephen Larkham's kick in 1999 (when Australian beat South Africa in the semi-finals).
"With the defences that will be so strong, you will need to kick drop goals if you can't get penalties.
* Can the Springboks win the World Cup? Click HERE for the latest tournament odds on BET.CO.ZA
Click to BUY the Rugby World Cup 2011 Game for Xbox
Click to BUY your very own Springbok RWC jersey
Van Straaten - who is the current the kicking coach of the Wallabies - believes history will repeat itself at the upcoming tournament in New Zealand.
"Just look back in history, every World Cup has been won by kicks, whether its drop goals or place kicks. Teams that will apply pressure, will get points in this manner," Van Straaten told the Beeld newspaper.
And the kicking guru has no doubt that Morné Steyn should carry that burden for South Africa. According to Die Burger newspaper, Steyn was the most successful goal kicker in the Super Rugby tournament, with a success ratio of 79%. New Zealand's Dan Carter had 74% and Australia's James O'Connor 71%.
The Bok pivot was instrumental in the Boks' recent 18-5 win over the All Blacks in Port Elizabeth, when he succeeded with five out of five penalty kicks as well as a drop goal.
Van Straaten also said he would pick Pat Lambie should Steyn get injured. "Pat has shown he can perform well under pressure. He is a young chap with a strong head and his technique has improved immensely."
He also warned that the Australians won't hesitate to employ drop kicks during the tournament.
"Two World Cup's have been won by drop kicks.
"Actually three, if you include Stephen Larkham's kick in 1999 (when Australian beat South Africa in the semi-finals).
"With the defences that will be so strong, you will need to kick drop goals if you can't get penalties.
* Can the Springboks win the World Cup? Click HERE for the latest tournament odds on BET.CO.ZA
