JOHANNESBURG - Sports and Recreation Minister Fikile Mbalula on Thursday called on rugby fans not to put undue pressure on Springbok flyhalf Morne Steyn.

He has been under immense pressure from fans following his bad form.

Steyn was dropped from the South African squad to face Australia in the Rugby Championship at Lofts Stadium on Saturday, but Mbalula believes he will bounce back.
 
The minister said fans should support Steyn and not kick him when he is down.

“You have a scenario where a hero becomes a villain and it destroys the morale of the player. Morne Steyn has made a huge contribution to South African rugby and I still believe in him.”

Bok coach Heyneke Meyer said it was a tough call and fans should not be too tough on Steyn.

Meanwhile, Jaco Taute could make his Boks debut after being named in the squad.

Kickoff is at 5pm.

(Edited by Lindiwe Mlandu)