MORNE Steyn is in the last chance saloon

Morne Steyn, the hero of the Lions series in 2009, is in the last chance saloon regarding his starting position at flyhalf going into the World Cup, Springbok coach Peter de Villiers hinted on the eve of tomorrow’s Tri-Nations match in the New Zealand capital.

The question of whether the Blue Bull is a boon for the Boks or a hand-break was first raised during last year’s November tour, and gathered momentum during the Bulls’ forgettable Super Rugby campaign when Steyn’s drop in form coincided with that of the defending champions.

At the heart of the Steyn debate is his (lack of) ability to engage his backline in earnest combat versus his brilliant goal-kicking skills

Steyn, who has ran all week at fullback in training, with Patrick Lambie at flyhalf, has been given a last-minute reprieve by De Villiers, and he continues at flyhalf although Lambie will assume some of the attacking duties.

“Sometimes tough decisions need to be made before a World Cup, and for Morne this could be the last chance, or the only chance, for him to get back the form that made him invincible in 2009,” the coach frankly said.

The fact that Steyn was made to tour – and not consigned to the “rehabilitation camp” in Rustenburg – was long ago confirmation that his position is under threat from 2007 World Cup winner Butch James, who is a member of the “Rustenburg 21.”

Steyn played more minutes of Super Rugby than any other South African.

“All of us go through patches in our lives, especially rugby players, and then they need people to give them a chance,” De Villiers said.

“One of his greatest (and unknown) attributes is his organisation skills within the team,” the coach said. “From early on in his time with the Boks he contributed significantly to the discussion of senior players regarding game plans. He has been a great youngster to have on board.”

As for James, De Villiers said: “Butch? He is old, eh? There is a time to come and a time to go …

“Ach, we will make those decisions (about flyhalf) in good time. I am not in a hurry, and there is still a Currie Cup to field players (such as James) and keep an eye on them,” he said.

Apart from the about-turn on Lambie starting at 10, and his subsequent selection at fullback (for his run-on debut), the Springbok team is as anticipated.

Lock Gerhard Mostert makes his debut; Adrian Jacobs is recalled to the midfield; Lambie is in for injured Gio Aplon; Jean Deysel is picked on the flank at the expense of Ashley Johnson, and the newcomer to the bench is winger Odwa Ndungane.

De Villiers conceded that this match is ultimately about players proving to him that they were worthy of a Springbok World cup campaign.

“We will have confirmation of which players are good enough to represent their country,” De Villiers said. “I don’t have favourites and I don’t have friends because they tend to let you down, as do players, but if the players understand that they can bring hope to their country by playing well, they should go to the World Cup and not stay at home.

Referee: Alain Rolland

Springboks: 15 Morne Steyn 14 Bjorn Basson 13 Adrian Jacobs 12 Juan de Jongh 11 Lwazi Mvovo 10 Patrick Lambie 9 Ruan Pienaar 8 Danie Rossouw 7 Deon Stegmann 6 Jean Deysel 5 Alistair Hargreaves 4 Gerhard Mostert 3 Werner Kruger 2 John Smit (capt) 1 Dean Greyling

Substitutes: Chiliboy Ralepelle, CJ van der linde, Ryan Kankowski, Ashley Johnson, Charl McLeod, Wynand Olivier, Odwa Ndungane

All Blacks: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma’a Nonu, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Adam Thomson, 7 Richie McCaw (capt), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Ali Williams, 3 Ben Franks, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Wyatt Crockett.

Substitutes: Corey Flynn, John Afoa, Jarrad Hoeata, Liam Messam, Piri Weepu, Colin Slade, Sonny Bill Williams.