Rugby: Steyn to start for Springboks

Morne Steyn has replaced Ruan Pienaar at first five-eighth for the Springboks. Photo / Getty Images

DURBAN - Goalkicking first five-eighth Morne Steyn has replaced the more erratic Ruan Pienaar in the only change to the Springboks rugby side named today to face the All Blacks in the Tri-Nations rugby test here on Sunday morning (NZT).

Speculation that Pienaar would make way for Bulls marksman Steyn proved accurate, with South African coach Peter de Villiers otherwise sticking with the starting team who beat New Zealand 28-19 in Bloemfontein over the weekend.

There are two changes among the reserves, where centre Adrian Jacobs and lock Andries Bekker return from injury. Jacobs takes Steyn's place on the bench, with Pienaar omitted from the 22 altogether, while Bekker comes in for Ryan Kankowski.

Pienaar, who sprained his ankle and was replaced by Steyn at halftime, was expected to pay the price for his one-from-five goalkicking return. It blotted what was otherwise a smooth performance and a first-half try.

Steyn has been a standout performer this year, coming on late to kick a 54m series-winning penalty goal in last month's second test against the British and Irish Lions.

Long range penalties and dropped goals from the 25-year-old were a key element in the Bulls' charge to the Super 14 crown while, in his fourth test appearance, he slotted three penalties in the second half at Bloemfontein to keep the All Blacks at bay.

De Villiers has stuck with his starting midfield combination of Jaque Fourie and Jean de Villiers, while Wynand Olivier remains on the reserve bench.

Jean de Villiers and winger Bryan Habana will both play their 50th test.

South Africa
Francois Steyn, JP Pietersen, Jaque Fourie, Jean de Villiers, Bryan Habana, Morne Steyn, Fourie du Preez, Pierre Spies, Juan Smith, Heinrich Brussow, Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha, John Smit (captain), Bismarck du Plessis, Tendai Mtawarira.

Reserves: Chiliboy Ralepelle, Jannie du Plessis, Danie Rossouw, Andries Bekker, Ricky Januarie, Adrian Jacobs, Wynand Olivier

- NZPA