By Ken Borland
JOHANNESBURG, Sept 26 (Reuters) – Under-fire flyhalf Morne Steyn has been dropped by South Africa and replaced by Johan Goosen for Saturday’s Rugby Championship test against Australia in Pretoria.
Steyn’s form deserted him as the Springboks drew in Argentina and then lost to Australia in Perth and New Zealand in Dunedin.
“It was a very difficult decision, but I have to look after the team’s interests first and then the individual’s. Morne really wanted to play, especially at Loftus, his home ground, but he is a true champion and he took my decision gracefully,” coach Heyneke Meyer told a news conference on Wednesday.
“He has won a lot of games for his country, just the last few have not gone well. But Morne’s not someone you need to feel sorry for, he’s a fighter and he will come back stronger.”
Goosen, 20, who looked a prodigious talent in SuperRugby for the Cheetahs before a dislocated shoulder ruled him out at the halfway stage of the competition, has promised much in two appearances totalling half-an-hour off the bench.
“Johan has always been in the mix since day one, but it’s been a process with him. I feel he is now ready to start a test for South Africa and I’m excited to see what he can bring,” said Meyer.
The uncapped 22-year-old Elton Jantjies has been included as reserve flyhalf and, if inside centre Francois Steyn fails to recover from a twisted ankle, then another debutant, utility back Jaco Taute, will play outside centre with captain Jean de Villiers shifting to number 12, where he has played most of his 79 tests.
“I’m really passionate about the Springboks, it feels like life and death decisions for myself. But it’s not about giving players chances at this level, they must be able to make a difference and I would not put them in the 22 if I did not have confidence in them,” Meyer said.
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