HE'S STILL A GAME-CHANGER

With his unerring boot Morné Steyn proved his critics wrong as he clinched the Lions series – and his parents couldn’t be prouder

- JACO HOUGH-COETZEE

TWAS the best kind of déjà vu.

The Springboks were again a single penalty kick away from a series victory over the British and Irish Lions, just as they were 12 years ago when the touring side last played here.

And once again it was substituted flyhalf Morné Steyn who took aim at the goalposts, looking barely a day older than 12 years ago.

There it was – the same smooth kick that sent the ball sailing over the crossbar and the Boks were victorious once more with a final score of 19-16.

It’s a rugby fairytale, not only for the fans but for Morné (37), whose return to the Bulls and the Boks has been the subject of scorn in some quarters.

“It’s time for a glass of port!” exclaimed Morné’s dad, Johan “Steyntjie” Steyn, to his wife, Marita (both 66).

Morné’s parents, along with his older brothers, Tinus and Renier, and their families were watching the game at the Bok hero’s childhood home in Bloemfontein and clearly recall the 2009 Test when Morné’s kick won the game for the Boks.

“It was like we were going back in time,” Steyntjie says.

The recent win marked a triumphant return to international rugby for the kicker with the golden boot. It’s been five years since Morné has played for the Springboks but few players can demonstrate such calm under pressure.