Keep Bok squad together - Steyn
VISION: FLYHALF SAYS WORLD CUP MUST BE THE FOCUS
[SECOND SUBHEADL]
If the Springboks can manage to stick to the bulk of the current squad they will again become a force sooner rather than later. This is the opinion of veteran Bok flyhalf Morne Steyn ahead of their departure today for their Rugby Championship clash against Australia in Brisbane next weekend.
“I think there was the era of 2001 onwards with Victor Matfield when they were also young players, but this is now a new era with a lot of young guys,” said Steyn,
“But if they take the whole group with to 2019 it would be a great thing for the World Cup.”
Steyn, 32, increased his Test tally up to 700 points in his 62nd Test in the 26-24 defeat in Salta last weekend by landing two late penalties after he replaced the injured Elton Jantjies.
“It’s always nice to be part of this thing again, playing Test rugby with the Boks. It was of course not the result we wanted. I think the problem was that we played against ourselves,” he said.
“We made too many basic mistakes and at that level you can’t afford so many errors.”
While he also missed two kicks, Steyn said the criticism aimed at the team was expected.
“The thing I definitely don’t miss about playing in France is all the criticism and negative comments, the one weekend you are the best rugby player in the world and the next weekend you are the worst. So in SA you will never win that battle. But for us as a team it’s important to listen to the right people.”
Steyn said it was always difficult to play in the hostile Salta.
“But it’s between those four lines and I don’t think that should serve as an excuse. They were playing on the same field and one shouldn’t allow the crowd to have such a big influence.”
We made too many basic mistakes and at that level you can’t afford so many errors.
Morne Steyn