Ruan Pienaar and Francois Steyn will be South Africa's premier goal-kickers in the first Test against the British and Irish Lions in Durban on Saturday, as they will share the kicking duties.

Bok kicking coach Percy Montgomery confirmed on Thursday that Pienaar and Steyn will have joint responsibility when they tackle the B&I Lions in the crucial first Test.

"Ruan will take the short-range kicks and Frans will look after the long-range kicks," said Montgomery.

"The two of them will consult with each other on the field as to who will take which kicks and also take direction from captain John Smit."

Montgomery said he believed that Pienaar and Steyn would have an advantage at the stadium Durban, where they have kicked many times for the Sharks - because of the swirling conditions that make kicking so tricky.

"The local guys, like Ruan and Frans, they know it [the conditions] well and should have the edge," Montgomery said.

"It is difficult to kick in that big swirl, and for someone who plays in it for the first time it could be difficult."

Montgomery added that in those conditions it is vital for the wings to back their fullback.

365

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