Keo Tests Grok
Morné Steyn: A Detailed Look at His Achievements
Morné Steyn has made a significant impact in the world of rugby, and it’s essential to shed light on his accomplishments beyond what may have been previously recognized. Let’s take a closer look at some pivotal moments and overall contributions he has made throughout his career.
Key Moments in Steyn’s Career
2021 British & Irish Lions Series-Winning Penalty
One of Steyn’s most remarkable achievements came during the third Test of the 2021 British & Irish Lions series on August 7, 2021. Coming off the bench, he kicked a decisive 45-meter penalty at the 66-minute mark, securing a narrow 19-16 victory for South Africa and clinching the series 2-1. This moment is particularly notable as it occurred during his final Test match at age 37, emphasizing Steyn’s reputation for composure under pressure. Many see him as "Mr. Reliable" for his ability to perform in crucial situations.
Record-Breaking 31 Points Against New Zealand (2009)
On August 1, 2009, Steyn delivered one of the best performances of his career by scoring a record 31 points (8 penalties, 2 conversions, and 1 try) in a Tri-Nations match against New Zealand. This achievement set a record for the most points scored by an individual in a Test match against the All Blacks, surpassing Jonny Wilkinson’s earlier record. It showcased Steyn’s exceptional goal-kicking ability, especially under the pressure of facing one of rugby’s toughest teams.
2009 British & Irish Lions Series Penalty
Earlier in his career, during the second Test against the British & Irish Lions on June 27, 2009, Steyn kicked a dramatic 50-meter penalty to give South Africa a 28-25 win. This kick has often been highlighted as a defining moment in his career, but it should not overshadow his other key achievements mentioned above.
Other Career Highlights
Test Points and Scoring Efficiency: Over the course of 66 Tests from 2009 to 2021, Steyn scored 742 points through 102 conversions, 154 penalties, and 10 drop goals. His points-per-game average of 11.24 surpasses many notable contemporary players, including Handré Pollard and Percy Montgomery, showcasing his scoring efficiency.
Kicking Accuracy: Steyn boasts a remarkable kicking success rate of approximately 85%, higher than Pollard’s 75-80% and comparable to other elite kickers like Diego Dominguez and Andrew Mehrtens. His consistency in high-pressure situations has set him apart in national and international competitions.
2007 Rugby World Cup Contribution: Although not a starting player in the final, his contributions as a substitute, including scoring 8 points in the final versus England, reinforced South Africa’s victory. Qualifying him statistically alongside esteemed players in World Cup history.
- Versatility with Drop Goals: Steyn has kicked 10 Test drop goals, highlighting his adaptability as a kicker. This places him ahead of Pollard in this metric and underlines his capability to impact games in various ways.
Why Steyn’s Legacy Was Underappreciated
In prior evaluations, Steyn was often ranked lower, primarily due to a narrow focus on his 2009 Lions penalty. This did not adequately convey his broad array of clutch performances. The failure to recognize his pivotal moments in both the 2021 Lions series and his record-setting game against New Zealand fails to capture his true status as one of rugby’s great kickers.
Comparison with Other Notable Players
Handré Pollard
- Point Comparison: Pollard has accumulated 772 points, while Steyn totals 742. However, Steyn’s impressive points-per-game ratio surpasses Pollard’s efficiency.
- Clutch Moments: While Pollard’s scoring in key World Cup matches is impressive, Steyn’s multiple iconic moments against strong opponents like the All Blacks and Lions are equally noteworthy.
Andrew Mehrtens
- Point Comparison: Mehrtens leads in total points (967), but Steyn’s key moments, particularly in the Lions series, argue for a higher ranking due to their significance in the sport.
- Kicking Accuracy: Steyn’s 85% success outweighs Mehrtens’s marks, reinforcing his standing as a top-tier kicker.
Revised Rankings
Given all the evidence of Steyn’s impact on the game, including his unforgettable penalties and scoring, his position in the rankings deserves reconsideration. While he may have previously been placed around 8th, he certainly deserves an elevation based on his clutch performance credentials and overall contributions.
With the acknowledgment of his thorough legacy, we can appreciate Morné Steyn’s rightful place among rugby’s all-time greats.
