Meyer hails Steyn asspringboksmake winning start

CAPE TOWN, Aug 19, 2012 (AFP) – South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer hailed fly-half Morne Steyn for his role in a 27-6 win over newcomers Argentina Saturday as the revamped southern hemisphere championship kicked off.

The result took the Springboks to the top of the table on points-difference after world champions New Zealand made an impressive start by winning 27-19 in Australia.

Leading 2011 Rugby World Cup points scorer Steyn went into the Newlands Test against the Pumas under media and public pressure following three mediocre mid-year outings against England.

Steyn, from threetime Super Rugby champions Northern Bulls, missed 12 of 20 kicks at goal and his general form was criticised despite the Springboks winning two of the Tests and drawing the other.

But former Bulls coach Meyer, who replaced out-of-contract Peter de Villiers this year, never lost faith in the unassuming Steyn and predicted before the Pumas match that the pivot would silence his critics.

Steyn was voted man of the match after an excellent performance as he steered his five mainly difficult place kicks between the posts for a 12-point haul and created the game-clinching third try for right wing Bryan Habana.

“Morne trained really well during the week and I had a feeling he was going to produce

South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer hailed fly-half Morne Steyn for his role in a 27-6 win over newcomers Argentina Saturday as the revamped southern hemisphere championship kicked off

the goods against Argentina. He played a very good game,” said the coach.

“I think hard about the make-up of the team every day and what is important in my view is that you have half-backs who can control a game and I believe Morne has that ability.”