News

De Villiers backs his 'match winner'

July 29 2009

South Africa coach Peter de Villiers has described Morne Steyn as a match winner after calling up the fly-half to replace the injured Ruan Pienaar for Saturday's Tri-Nations Test match with New Zealand.

Steyn's inclusion is the only change to the Springboks side that defeated the All Blacks 28-19 in their Tri-Nations opener in Bloemfontein last weekend.

Springboks team manager Arthob Petersen told a press conference Pienaar was ruled out of this weekend's match in Durban as a "precautionary measure" after injuring an ankle against the All Blacks.

The 25-year-old came in for some criticism for his performance with the boot in Bloemfontein when he landed only one of five attempts, although he ran in his side's opening try.

Steyn, by contrast, is noted for his kicking game, memorably landing a long-range effort to clinch the series against the British & Irish Lions last month, and De Villiers believes his side have lost nothing with his inclusion.

"There will always be injuries so there is no use crying about it," De Villiers said.

"Morne is a very good player, he is a match winner and he has shown that with his franchise side, the Bulls."

Petersen stressed Pienaar had been left out because of his injury and he maintained the number 10 still has a key role to play in the Springboks' Tri-Nations plans.

"As a precautionary measure, the coach and the selectors have deemed it fit to give Ruan Pienaar a rest for the upcoming Test," Petersen said.

"He is a vital component within the strategic approach of the team and it is just a matter of time before he is back in the team."

De Villiers made two other changes to his squad with lock Andries Bekker back on the replacements' bench in place of loose forward Ryan Kankowski, while fit-again centre Adi Jacobs takes Steyn's place.

Wing Bryan Habana and centre Jean de Villiers are both set to win their 50th cap for the Springboks.

John Smit will also reach a milestone when he captains the side for a world record 60th time, in his 86th appearance in total for his country.

The 31-year-old will break a record he currently shares with former Australia skipper George Gregan and England's Will Carling.

Smit is wary of the All Blacks ruining his record-breaking day, warning his team-mates a return from the high-altitude at Bloemfontein to the coastal city of Durban will suit the visitors.

"What they will bring to Saturday's match is that they will be far better prepared," he said.

"Last week they only had a few days in the Republic before they had to play at altitude.

"Now they have come to a venue that they are comfortable with and familiar with and they have had a week to analyse the game that has passed."