The Rugby Championship
Meyer to stick with under-fire Steyn
ESPN Staff
August 6, 2012
South Africa's Morne Steyn celebrates his side's victory, South Africa v New Zealand, Tri-Nations, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth, South Africa, August 20, 2011
Morne Steyn struggled against England © Getty Images
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Springboks coach Heyneke Meyer is adamant that he will not axe Morne Steyn despite the fly-half's slump in form.

With the Rugby Championship kicking off on August 18, Meyer looks set to keep the faith with Steyn despite the fly-half coming in for criticism after he struggled against England in the June Tests. With the likes of Johan Goosen, Pat Lambie and Elton Jantjies all performing well in Super Rugby, Meyer has other options at his disposal, but Steyn still appears to be in pole position.

"What's important, and I saw it again with the Sharks in the Super Rugby final, is that you need a No.9 and a No.10 who can kick tactically and control the game," Meyer said. "Morne hasn't played to the best of his ability and the same for Francois, but that is something to work on. I thought hard about the half-backs, but you do need some continuity.

"I've always believed as a coach that it is your job to improve a player through coaching as it is counter-productive to just pick a different player every week. You need continuity. The players know they have to step up to the plate and that I wasn't happy with their performances."

But Meyer has also praised Goosen claiming that the young fly-half "could be a huge match-winner" and he is "going to play in the next three to four weeks". Meyer also revealed that he sees Lambie's best position as fullback.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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