Morne Steyn’s form since his return to the Bulls has been rewarded by SA Rugby magazine readers with a Springbok call-up for the British & Irish Lions series.

Following episode three of ‘The War Room’, readers were asked to pick their preferred No 10, should incumbent Handre Pollard not be available for selection.

The premise is that the Bok starting XV from the 2019 Rugby World Cup final are all unavailable and need to be replaced. The fullback, wings and centres have all been selected, with the likes of Cornal Hendricks and Jesse Kriel getting the nod.

Steyn was the overwhelming favourite to deputise at flyhalf. The 36-year-old veteran of 66 Tests earned 35.63% of the vote to once again take on the Lions, having famously kicked the winning penalty in the previous series in 2009.

Elton Jantjies, who served as Pollard’s deputy at the 2019 World Cup, was the next favourite, with just over 23% of votes. Jantjies is currently on loan to Top 14 side Pau. Also a big favourite was Johan Goosen, who recently completed a move from Montpellier to the Bulls. Goosen has earned just 13 Test caps since making his Bok debut in 2012.

Meanwhile, young guns Damian Willemse and Curwin Bosch only received a combined 19% of votes. There is still plenty of debate over where Willemse’s best position is – given that he is also comfortable at fullback – and whether Bosch has the temperament for Test rugby.

To date, the alternative Bok XV, selected by the readers, are as follows:

15 Frans Steyn, 14 Sbu Nkosi, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Jan Serfontein, 11 Cornal Hendricks, 10 Morne Steyn

DON’T FORGET TO VOTE FOR YOUR SCRUMHALF!

Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images