Share

Steyn ready to punish NZ

JJ Harmse

Auckland – The recipe will only be put to the test on Saturday, but the All Blacks can brace themselves for a hiding if their play lacks discipline against the Springboks on Saturday.

Morné Steyn, who scored a record 31 points for South Africa against New Zealand in a Tri-Nations Test last year, is kicking well and he can punish the Kiwis again even if a New Zealand Adidas ball and not a Gilbert is used.

“It does not make a difference to Steyn’s kicking,” Springbok kicking coach Percy Montgomery told Sport24.

“Morné is striking the ball well and I’m satisfied,” said the former Bok points machine.

“We trained this morning and he kicked very well. The ball is a little different, but it does not worry Morné.”

Last year, Steyn notched 95 points in six Tests in the tournament and succeeded with 23 penalties.

His kicking was inconsistent at Eden Park earlier this year when the Bulls lost to the Blues in the Super 14.

“We have not been there yet, but I understand that the new pavilions can make the wind swirl a little. But I doubt it will be a problem considering how well Morné kicked this morning,” said Montgomery.

The Bok points machine has not put a foot wrong of late. He scored 15 points against France and then 14 and 26 in the two Tests against Italy for a total of 55 to date this season.

This year his total of 192 points for the Boks saw him pass three of his predecessors – Henry Honiball (156), André Pretorius (171) and Jannie de Beer (181).

He now has Braam van Straaten (221) and Joel Stransky (240) in his sights.

Montgomery’s record (893 points) is far beyond his reach, with Naas Botha (312) also still safe in second place.
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2252 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE