Review needed as Morne Steyn makes a mockery of the 50:22 rule
The combination of Morne Steyn’s right boot and playing at altitude means opposing players should defend the back field like their lives depend on it, otherwise it will be a case of 50:22s raining down all day long.
The Stormers made such a mistake against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, and paid the price. Then again, when a player is calling a mark in their own 22, most players would not expect them to be able to nail a 50:22 from there, and to be fair not many could. But Steyn has shown time and time again over his career what a right boot he has.
The introduction of the 50:22 rule is probably why the 38-year-old former Springboks fly-half has decided to play well into his thirties, knowing it was a rule that was basically designed for him.
Take a look at Steyn’s monster 50:22:
Hits his mark every time 🎯
How’s this 50:22 kick by Vodacom @BlueBullsRugby‘s, Morne Steyn on his 1️⃣5️⃣0️⃣th appearance for the Pretoria side franchise? #BKTURC #URC | #BULvSTO pic.twitter.com/ZpXb7d0OiJ
— BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) February 20, 2023
In a repeat of last year’s United Rugby Championship final, Steyn was unable to avoid the same result, as the Stormers came away with a close 23-19 victory. The win kept the Stormers firmly in second place in the league, while the Bulls sit in sixth, but only three points behind third place Ulster.
Vodacom Bulls: David Kriel, Cornal Hendricks, Wandisile Simelane, Harold Vorster, Sbu Nkosi, Chris Smith, Zak Burger, Gerhard Steenekamp, Johan Grobbelaar, Mornay Smith, Jacques Du Plessis, Ruan Nortje (CAPT), Marco van Staden, Cyle Brink, Elrigh Louw
Replacements: Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Simphiwe Matanzima, Francois Klopper, Ruan Vermaak, Nizaam Carr, Embrose Papier, Morne Steyn, Lionel Mapoe
DHL Stormers: Clayton Blommetjies, Suleiman Hartzenberg, Ruhan Nel, Dan du Plessis, Seabelo Senatla, Manie Libbok, Herschel Jantjies, Brok Harris, Scarra Ntubeni, Neethling Fouche, Ruben van Heerden, Gary Porter, Deon Fourie (CAPT), Willie Engelbrecht, Marcel Theunissen
Replacements: Joseph Dweba, Ali Vermaak, Sazi Sandi, Ernst van Rhyn, Ben-Jason Dixon, Junior Pokomela, Paul de Wet, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
