Springbok and Vodacom Bulls star Morne Steyn will retire as a “master of the game” who deserves to be hailed as one of the world’s greatest flyhalves, according to MARK KEOHANE.
Steyn, who is set to hang up his boots at the end of the season, was recalled in an overhauled Bulls backline against the Lions in a Vodacom United Rugby Championship Jukskei derby in Pretoria on Saturday.
Nearing 40, the veteran playmaker shows no sign of a shift in motivation or quality, and his presence was felt on what was his 150th game for the Bulls, with a spectacular 50/22 kick in a URC defeat to the DHL Stormers at Loftus Versfeld two weeks ago.
In his TimesLIVE column, Keohane praises Steyn’s 20-year career as a pro, one characterised by consistency and “staggering” numbers.
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“Ironically, when articles are written about the great No 10s in world rugby, Steyn’s name is often not mentioned. Dan Carter and Jonny Wilkinson, in the professional era, always get the most plaudits but Steyn’s career belongs among the elite club of the very best No 10s.
“Steyn scored 31 points for the Springboks in a Test against the All Blacks, but still didn’t convince every South African supporter of his qualities.
“Too often the focus was on what it was perceived that he couldn’t do, when the emphasis should have been on what he could do, has done and will continue to do for the remainder of the United Rugby Championship and Currie Cup.
“[Heyneke] Meyer called him a warrior; the ‘go-to-guy in the trenches’ and current Bulls coach Jake White called him a ‘winner’.
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“Every Steyn statistic would support both Meyer and White, with Steyn influential in South Africa winning an Under-21 World Cup, the Springboks winning the Tri Nations and two successive Test series against the British & Irish Lions.
“Steyn would also win three Currie Cups, three Super Rugby titles and Super Rugby Unlocked with the Bulls, while also winning French rugby’s most coveted Top 14 title with Stade Francais.
“He kicked 41 consecutive goal kicks in Test rugby and was the fastest Springbok to 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 and 700 points. He has the most drop goals, penalties and conversions for the Bulls.
“Steyn has always been a student of the game, but when he leaves this season as a 39-year-old, he does so as a master of the game.”
Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
