The whole package

To repeat what's been headlining the media after yesterday's emphatic victory by the Boks over the All Blacks, Morne Steyn turned in a record-breaking individual performance to score all his sides points to overwhelm the New Zealanders 31-19!

Before Saturday's kick-off between the Springboks and the All Blacks, the jury was still out on the ability of Morne Steyn to control South Africa's back line. If you were a Bulls supporter you had no doubt over Steyn's abilities, but the rest of the country was still split between utilising the "Larkham-like" Ruan Pienaar or the reliable boot of Steyn.

For all of Steyn's achievements this year and his sudden rise into the spotlight as a real contender for the Springbok no.10 jersey, many (including myself) were not convinced that he was the complete package. Yesterday's performance will see Steyn silence and win over many critics, and instill much confidence in the South African rugby public over his all round abilities.

Ruan Pienaar must surely feel hard done, as he was controversially converted to flyhalf as the answer to South Africa's pivotal problem. Pienaar definitely has the skill, vision and potential to be a great international flyhalf, but his goal kicking needs to be a lot more consistent. It was Os du Randt that told an up-and-coming prop to choose between being a tighthead or loosehead prop, if he was good at both he'd be a brilliant substitute. Os was of course suggesting that concentrating on one position would maximise performances and first team selection possibilities. Ruan Pienaar is in the position of being good in all back line positions, and this could rob South Africa of a rugby star.

For the past few seasons, Francois Steyn was in a similar position but since being given the fullback berth he has settled in nicely. Francois Steyn's impending move to France and coach Peter de Villiers' preference for locally based players, might open the doorway to make full use of both Morne Steyn's kicking boot and Ruan Pienaar's distribution abilities.

Morne Steyn, although not flashy, has abilities at more than just flyhalf. He has represented the Bulls at fullback and has the luxury of being able to read the opposition flyhalf which is important for a fullback's positional play. When the incumbent Steyn (Francois) leaves for France, his namesake (Morne) could be employed as the last line of defence. Morne Steyn possesses an equally adept out-of-hand kicking boot and could use the November internationals to settle into this new role allowing Ruan Pienaar a chance to general the back line.

My second thought comes from an approach Wallaby coach Robbie Deans seems to employ with all the teams he has been in charge of. Deans likes to use two playmakers and distributors in his backline. For the Crusaders Deans used Dan Carter and Aaron Mauger and for the Wallaby's he uses Matt Gitteau and Berrick Barnes - in both cases the two players concerned are equally equipped to play at both flyhalf or inside centre and often swap around during play.

With Jean de Villiers following Francois Steyn to Europe, Ruan Pienaar could be shifted to inside centre. Pienaar is solid on defence, has quick hands, possesses brilliant running and distribution ability and kicks very well out of hand. Often when a flyhalf is trapped in a ruck or out of position, it's highly useful to have the No.12 available with equal ability to make the right decision. By shifting Pienaar to inside centre you have the kicking services of Morne Steyn and the playmaker ability of Pienaar on the field together.

Although South Africa currently find themselves placed firmly on top of the world rugby heap, with a few key players choosing to ply their trade overseas after the Tri Nations, interesting times lie ahead for the World Champions.

For now though those times can wait, there is a Tri Nations to be won and the Springboks have an excellent chance. GO BOKKE!