Koen keeps faith in Morne
2 Oct 2012
Springbok kicking coach Louis Koen thinks pressure and fatigue could be the primary reasons for Morne Steyn’s goal-kicking struggles, but said he will recover and he could play a pivotal role on the year-end tour.
Steyn has battled this year but was backed by Heyneke Meyer on the basis of his match-winning ability with the boot. However, he crashed in Dunedin with the All Blacks on the ropes, missing a string of kicks that would have altered the result.
Koen was lost for an absolute explanation on Steyn’s form, but speculated that he was feeling the heat.
‘It is difficult to pin-point the exact reasons. We’ve been logging every single kick in training since before the England series, and for example, Morne has kicked around 620 kicks from all over the field since then and averaged about 88%, by far the best of the kickers,’ Koen said.
‘Technique-wise we’ve done a lot of analysis and I haven’t changed anything. So when it comes down to performance in a match, it is probably due to pressure and expectation. However, outside of the 2010 Tri-Nations, Morne has never achieved above an 80% success rate in any series he has been involved in. There’s a perception that he achieves 95% every time he is involved. The expectations were high and the pressure built on him. It became a question of handling pressure and he found that tough.
‘Also, a guy like Dave Alred (widely regarded as the world’s best kicking coach) believes the kicking game is as much mental as it is technical, so fatigue could be an issue. In Morne’s case he has played a lot of rugby in the last three years. [Fatigue] certainly could have been a factor.’
The Springboks’ coaching staff have, however, consistently stressed that Steyn’s Test career is far from over. Koen echoed that sentiment, suggesting that he may be re-installed at flyhalf sooner than some expect.
‘I believe with my whole heart that he’ll be back,’ he said. ‘He needs to regain his confidence in the Currie Cup. He still has a lot to offer South African rugby. If you look ahead at the year-end tour to Europe, where a more tactical approach is needed, I can’t speak for the coach but he can be very effective in that environment.’
The Springboks’ goal-kicking woes have extended to their other kickers as well, with Frans Steyn, Ruan Pienaar and Johan Goosen, who kicked at 86% in Super Rugby but missed with two from two attempts at Loftus, all failing to consistently hit the mark. Steyn and Goosen have, admittedly, tried a number of long-range pots, while Goosen also battled severe bruising on his planting foot at the weekend. Koen says Pienaar is likely to take the kicks against the Blacks at Soccer City.
He is also confident their success in this facet of play will improve over time.
‘[The goal-kicking] has been more disappointing than worrying,’ he said. ‘But it gives me confidence that a guy like Peter Grant, whom I’ve been working with since 2005 at the Stormers, was consistently one of the best in Super Rugby. It says I’m on the right track, but it is a process. It will take time to establish a relationship of trust. I want to get to the place where if one of our goal-kickers is struggling, I’ll be able to make immediate changes. I’m not there yet.’
By Ryan Vrede, in Johannesburg
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317 Comments
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2 Oct 2012, 15:34 pm
For all the very many STBURs, Hondos, Bakkies, Pieties ,GrootBloubulletjies and other ‘Germanics’ , you make my relative look infinitely better than the combination of Einstein and Newton. when he enunciated that racism is more now(and especially in rugby) than it has ever been before.
Who can argue that polarisation is not greater now than it ever was? I see it everyday around me as I chew my TV bar, Bar one, Lunch Bar, Tex, Now, Rollos, Nosh, Aero etc., etc.
2 Oct 2012, 15:35 pm
@Doughnut-148: Oh, I am happy to do that. I think the kid has talent. I am just not prepared to tattoo his name in the number 10 slot in the Springbok line up. I am very happy to give him time.
2 Oct 2012, 15:39 pm
@Dusky-150:
http://www.rugbystats.com.au/rugby/super15/player-stats.html
Take into account, that Goosen was injured in round 8 or 9, and was leading the points table by some margin at that stage. His kicking % was 3rd overall, which is remarkable considering he took anything within 60m.
A flyhalf has stats that literally define a game. Just ask Morne.
2 Oct 2012, 15:39 pm
@Dusky-152: I think we are all in the “Anyone but Morne” at this stage .. managed properly he will be a great Springbok. These days with attrition and management you probably need 3 of each position .. hell of a big squad but this S15 is ridiculous … Ozzies are going to suffer the longer it goes on due to player pool.
2 Oct 2012, 15:40 pm
@Big Hit-139:
He cries before a ball is kicked in the game and then when asked to kick it between the uprights he fluffs it 100%, so what does that say about the druggie and his ability to handle big match pressure.
Recall how he was outplayed by your Ford in Italy in 2011.
2 Oct 2012, 15:42 pm
@Neilanate-151:
Huh??
2 Oct 2012, 15:43 pm
@Doughnut-149: No prob. I am guilty of speaking in circles sometimes.
2 Oct 2012, 15:45 pm
Cheers guys.
Here’s to a great test match, a Bok victory and huuuge hangover.
2 Oct 2012, 15:46 pm
@londonshark-156:
Indeed
2 Oct 2012, 15:47 pm
@Neilanate-151:
You don’t need us dude. You just have to read our racist constitution and think about BEE to realize how indemic racism is in our society.
2 Oct 2012, 15:48 pm
This is gonna be good.
Popcorn time
2 Oct 2012, 15:48 pm
@Dusky-152:
Just admit you prefer your own. No shame. In fact it would take great personal courage for you to do so given the amount of fake social gravitas you stand to lose.
2 Oct 2012, 15:51 pm
@STBUR-160: He deosnt need us full stop … got it all figured out. .. outta here ..
2 Oct 2012, 15:53 pm
@londonshark-156:
How can you ever understand when you left from your African ivory tower to take up residence another ivory tower in London?
Be careful now, a desperate female maggot is getting higher and higher up your arse.
2 Oct 2012, 15:54 pm
@Neilanate-164:
He’s not in London he is in SA.
Kept his nic.
Twit
2 Oct 2012, 15:55 pm
@Neilanate-164:
Your pathetic name-calling doesn’t bother me one bit.
2 Oct 2012, 15:56 pm
I’m not sold by Goosen just yet. People were comparing him to Carter or Wilkinson at that age. He is definitely no where near that good! He is a talented player and will take time to become a great flyhalf, but will he be a ‘rock star’ flyhalf, I seriously doubt it. I still think HM should have started to introduce Lambie at 10 during the England series. The last 35 mins of each game. Lambie would have been ready for the Championship and with two full games against the Puma’s, we would be seeing a return for our support. We can all argue our bollocks of here – but the truth is we’ll never know for sure who is better… Lambie or Goosen. I guess moving forward, all I can hope for is that Lambie at least plays 15 ahead of Mr Average, Krusty. Sorry Zane, but I hope you stayed injured. Lambie deserves a full 80 mintues!
Also Taute. Uhmmm did anyone actually watch him play?!? He was rubbish on attack, absolutely trash for hands and I wonder if he actually broke the gainline??! What were his stats in terms of meters gained? He did his job on defence, but you would expect anyone in at international level to defend your channel. No big hits or steals or hot steps or anything ‘amazing’. He was just ordinary. Did he deserve that start ahead of De Jongh – come on, be bloody serious, NO WAYS!!
And now with FSteyn gone, he’s a permanent fixture?! Sad day for SA rugby. For all HM’s moaning about experience, he takes an inexperienced Taute ahead of an more experienced De Jongh?!? That’s piss poor! Really is.
I don’t even think we played that well on Saturday. We played a K A K Aus team. That wasn’t a real team and we couldn’t even smash them. They even scored when they had 13 people on the field and we could only put 7 points on pass them when they had 14 men and playing ‘props for wings’ (not really but you get my drift).
We will see on Saturday. The annoying thing is we always seem to find an extra gear against the AB’s… Don’t get me wrong, I’ll take a win as ugly as William Dafoe, in way or manner against the AB’s, but – just imagine a settled backline with talented players.
Small steps I’m told. The forwards are looking great. Made the change at 10, now we just need a 12 and 15… Oh did I forget to say I think Jean is pants??!
2 Oct 2012, 16:01 pm
@STBUR-160:
How conveniently you forget about PEE( pinkishpigs) and for so long they ravaged and stole?
Who did more damage than the 350yrs.- plus PEE group so nobly aided and abetted by the OssewaBrandwag, Broederbond, AWB, and now the laughable AfrikanerBond and Boeremag(‘jul rugby is nou te sag, sonder krag en iets om oor te lag’)?
2 Oct 2012, 16:01 pm
ET in the house!
Where you been doc?
2 Oct 2012, 16:04 pm
@Neilanate-151: YOU and @STBUR-162: YOU.
A matchmadeinfuckingracewarsheaven. Lunatics on both sides of the totallyfuckingwhackedjackedandsmackedslidingscaleofracism.
Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate the joining, in holy matrimony of hate white and hate black.
Nowvoetsekthebothofyouandenjoyyourbumfuckinghoneymoon. Cheerio.
2 Oct 2012, 16:05 pm
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-170:
2 Oct 2012, 16:05 pm
@TheDeleted-167:
I am not a Taute fan and rather impartial whether he plays or not but he didn’t have “trash for hands”. He dropped his first ball and from there did well. Take your blinkers off (if you are not white) or stop your pathetic pandering (if you are white).
As for Goosen “not being nearly that good as Carter and Wilkinson at 20″ on what do you base that? At 20 just about all a player can do is show exceptional promise which is exactly what Goosen has done. What else is there to compare? Does this mean he will scale equal heights, no, but he is off to the right start.
2 Oct 2012, 16:05 pm
Damn right that I do not write in slang.
All it says is that he migrates from one ivory tower existence to another as no matter way he finds himself he never knows the real people.
2 Oct 2012, 16:05 pm
Can’t say I missed you, truth be told.
2 Oct 2012, 16:07 pm
In Hansie-like fashion Kallis, Abe Div., Steyn, Morkel and a few others can make big money today.
2 Oct 2012, 16:12 pm
@Neilanate-168:
All you goffels have the same lame logic. Whites conquered you centuries ago so now you should be allowed to discriminate against us with BEE?
Keep on talking because this is my point. BEE is not about redress, it is about revenge. You guys don’t want equality in SA you want to punish whites and ideally eradicate them. This is why whites need to reject the marxist-liberal delusion that they have been brainwashed with and start protecting their children’s and groups future.
And I would say in those 350 years we have brought you the trappings of civilization that you are now happily taking advantage off. You are welcome.
2 Oct 2012, 16:14 pm
@STBUR-172:
When I try and read your post it gives me this numb feeling on the brain like when its that time of the month and my wife nags ad nauseam.
2 Oct 2012, 16:15 pm
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-170:
Not really. The hate is predominantly from our d.arkie friends here. They are the ones that enforce racist legislation such as BEE. The whites on the other hand just want to get on with their lives, to work and ensure their children’s future.
Sell out whites such as yourself prefer to stick your head in the sand as to what is really happening because you prefer the short term benefit of polishing your PC credentials. Your grandchildren will curse your name for the coward you are.
2 Oct 2012, 16:16 pm
“jul rugby is nou te sag, sonder krag en iets om oor te lag”…
2 Oct 2012, 16:17 pm
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-170:
Have you concocted an answer yet to the question you were once asked about whose daughter you want to be and what you ‘nobly’ and heroically did for ending social evils(even in racist Durbanville) in the years leading up to 1994?
How does a ‘Liberal’(not even you believe that one) have the guts to stay in Durbanville and not Claremont, Wynberg or better still Heideveld or Bonteheuvel or Gugulethu or KTC?
2 Oct 2012, 16:18 pm
you are such a poet, and you know it
et old pal…
2 Oct 2012, 16:18 pm
@TheDeleted-167: I’m not a huge Taute fan.
He is certainly talented but has made far too many elementary mistakes at Super rugby level to date.
2 Oct 2012, 16:19 pm
@Jeraldjay-177:
The reason for the that is for one of two reasons.
If you are not white… well that is self evident. And your opinion is of little consequence. This whole issue is about the internal struggle that whites must fight. I don’t really blame you for trying to take advantage of our turmoil.
If you are white it is because you find the truth uncomfortable. You don’t want to think about. You have been brainwashed to believe you must reject pride in your own identity, history and future. Deep down you know but it is so hard to forgo the cozy social status of being seen as “PC”. It is hard to make the unpopular choice no matter how beneficial in the long run.
2 Oct 2012, 16:21 pm
@STBUR-176:
Ivory tower existence restricts you to bad and horribly wrong meanings and thus usage of even slang.
You just daily prove your irrelevance. Bye now ‘pinkie en pikkie’.
2 Oct 2012, 16:23 pm
@STBUR-183:
“Jah would never give the power to a baldhead, run come crucify the dread. Time alone, oh time will tell, you think you in heaven but you living in hell.”
2 Oct 2012, 16:25 pm
@STBUR-178: @Neilanate-180: I now pronounce you man and wife
(you decide which is which…although you both argue like tween girls…so I pronounce you wife and wife – straponsgalore)
United in your dislike of me
Mrs Hate Blacks thinks I’m too liberal, and Mrs Hate Whites thinks I’m not liberal enough. Ohfortheloveoffuckingextremists 
2 Oct 2012, 16:25 pm
@Neilanate-184:
What slang?
You’re still a racist for supporting BEE.
2 Oct 2012, 16:29 pm
@Jeraldjay-185:
Stick your head in the sand if you will. But since you cannot even disclose on which side you sit your contribution is not worth much.
2 Oct 2012, 16:30 pm
@Neilanate-180: Why would anyone willingly go live in areas where crime is rampant?
2 Oct 2012, 16:30 pm
@STBUR-187:
Substantiate that pinkipikkie.
2 Oct 2012, 16:31 pm
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-186:
If I hate anyone, yes, it would be a white liberal such as yourself. You are responsible for genocide my friend.
2 Oct 2012, 16:31 pm
marxist-liberal, wtf is that?
2 Oct 2012, 16:32 pm
@Neilanate-190:
I suppose if I discuss these things with an intellectual cripple such as yourself I should expect to have to explain such blatantly obvious things. *sigh*
BEE discriminates against whites based on their race. Thus it is racist.
2 Oct 2012, 16:32 pm
Why is it OK to say white men cant dance, but you are a racist if you say black women cant drive?
2 Oct 2012, 16:33 pm
@Neilanate-173:
So you know the “real people”
2 Oct 2012, 16:34 pm
@trupisero-189:
Rabid pink liberals do crazy things and i can name some but dogfoodshit is not rabid enough yet, it seems.
Now stop boring me with your mannerisms and manifestations of lifelong ivory tower existence.
2 Oct 2012, 16:36 pm
And it’s definitely not you anywhere in sight, maggiemaggot.
2 Oct 2012, 16:36 pm
EVERYONE stand back
It’s a Nellynwata and STBUR showdown
I got the popcorn
2 Oct 2012, 16:37 pm
@trupisero-189:
Is that what you see Claremont and Wynberg to be?
Do not bother to answer.
2 Oct 2012, 16:37 pm
Fokkit
Can’t believe the racial discussions migrated to this thread too.
Get a life guys
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