Steyn: Northern giant on the rise

Recalled Springbok flyhalf Morné Steyn said in the European Cup all the teams you play are "quality teams".

Suggestions that the gulf between the Southern Hemisphere countries and their rivals from the Northern Hemisphere are growing - based on last year's World Cup - were turned on its head during the opening weekend of the June international window.

The 31-year-old Steyn, with 60-odd Test caps, was recalled for Bok duty after Patrick Lambie was ruled out of the second Test against Ireland at Ellis Park this coming Saturday with concussion.

Steyn was at the start of his European off-season break and said he had to cancel a four-week family holiday.

However, he does not regret it for one minute and will give 100 percent for his country if he is called upon.

His experience of having played for French giants Stade Francais since 2013 puts him in a good position to accurately assess the state of the two hemispheres.

"They all have good kicking games," he said of the approach of European teams and countries - adding that they are moving more towards a ball-in-hand approach.

"I have played against most of the teams in Europe and their game has improved a lot.

"That is why England and Ireland are showing it," he said of their victories over Australia (39-28) and South Africa (26-20) respectively.

His move to Stade Francais was for a "bit more experience" to enjoy his rugby and make the last few years fun for himself.

However, it is "great" to be back in a Bok team with many new faces.

"I watched some Super Rugby games and the younger guys like Elton [Jantjies], Pat [Lambie} and Garth [April] played very well," Steyn told a media scrum at the team's training base in Johannesburg.

"I am a little bit older now and it is a new era.

"Only three or four guys have more than 50 caps, but it is good for South Africa."

He felt the Springboks' kicking game wasn't at the standard where it normally is and that contributed to their loss to the Irish.

"We are trying to put in a bit more kicking [for this week's second Test] and that is one of my strengths."

Steyn said he will "give it another year" and see how it goes.

"Handré Pollard is also injured, so you never know what can happen," the veteran flyhalf said, adding: However, every training session and every game I will give it 100 percent."

By Jan de Koning, in Johannesburg

@rugby365com