30 Jul 2009

Injured Pienaar replaced by Steyn

5:14 am on 30 July 2009

Morne Steyn will replace the injured Ruan Pienaar at first-five in the South African rugby side to play New Zealand on Sunday morning.

Pienaar twisted his ankle during the Springboks' 28-19 win over New Zealand in Bloemfontein last weekend.

The Springboks only other changes are in the reaserves, where thefit-again lock Andries Bekker replaces number eight Ryan Kankowski and centre Adrian Jacobs takes Steyn's place on the bench.

Coach Peter de Villiers says Pienaar's absence won't not upset his team's rhythm although Steyen is known more for his kicking game.

John Smit will become the most capped international captain when he runs out in Durban on Saturday to lead his team for the 60th time.

He says the All Blacks will be far better prepared as last week they only had a few days in South Africa before they had to play at altitude.

Team: Francois Steyn, JP Pietersen, Jaque Fourie, Jean de Villiers,Bryan Habana, Morne Steyn, Fourie du Preez; Pierre Spies, Juan Smith, Heinrich Brussow, Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha, John Smit, Bismarck du Plessis, Tendai Mtawarira.