Morne Steyn is starting to roar ahead of Lions tour

Morne Steyn is still good enough to play a role in the 2021 Springboks three-Test series against the British & Irish Lions. Steyn and Elton Jantjies are the two form No 10s in South Africa and I’d pick the duo along with Handre Pollard for next season’s three-Test thriller.

Steyn was the Springboks hero in 2009 when he kicked a 52 metre last minute penalty to beat the Lions in Pretoria and win South Africa the series.

He returned to Pretoria this year after five years in France and is thriving in Jake White’s Bulls team.

Steyn was outstanding against the Stormers and controlled the match. His pack had the upper hand but his out of hand kicking, distribution and absolute appreciation of when to kick was his own making.

We’ve always known Steyn can kick but he has returned from France a more complete flyhalf. He is confident on the ball, takes it a lot flatter and is more physical than when he last played for the Springboks.

He is playing with freedom and with enjoyment.

I tweeted on Saturday night that Steyn, on form, has to be a contender for any Bok squad and typically the notion was rubbished by more than a few. Refreshingly, there were many who agreed that age is not a factor and that good enough is young enough.

Rassie Erasmus has no issue with picking veterans to perform a playing mentorship role. We saw the value of Schalk Brits in 2019, and Steyn’s influence can be the equal of Brits.

Pollard, if fit, remains the first choice and Jantjies has done enough to feel he is second in the pecking order, but if ever the Springboks want an insurance policy at No 10 for the Lions showdown, it is Steyn, who has scored 736 points in 66 Tests.

Currently, I’d take Steyn’s experience, calm and execution over Damian Willemse and Curwin Bosch when it comes to the third Springbok flyhalf option.