* Springboks beat England 22-17 in Durban
* Seventeen points for flyhalf Steyn
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By Jason Humphries
DURBAN, June 9 (Reuters) – South Africa handed new coach
Heyneke Meyer a winning start with a 22-17 victory over England
in the first test on Saturday.
The Springboks turned in a dominant second-half performance
with flyhalf Morne Steyn and new captain Jean de Villiers
crossing for tries after Steyn and opposite number Owen Farrell
had traded penalties to make the score 6-6 after 40 minutes.
The hosts took control after the resumption and while winger
Ben Foden scored a consolation try for England in the corner
with time up on the clock, the result was never in doubt.
“We knew England were going to be very well prepared and
they are a very physical side,” Meyer told a news conference.
“There were a few nerves at the beginning, with a new
captain and a few new players, but I was very happy with the
performance.”
Meyer had made no secret of his intention to implement a
game plan built around powerful ball carriers and his team also
made good use of the kick-and-chase tactic.
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