Heyneke Meyer
Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer was pleased with his team’s 47-13 win over a star-studded World XV at DHL Newlands on Saturday.
The Springboks scored six tries and gained a lot of momentum in the second half of the match, going into the second 40 minutes leading 18-13. This bodes well for next week’s test match against Wales in the Castle Lager Incoming Series.
Meyer warned that the test match in Durban will be another big step-up for his team, as Wales are a settled team after playing together during the Six Nations.
sarugby
“Wales will be well prepared,” said Meyer. “They are a quality side with big backs which will give them go forward ball. They also played together in the Six Nations, while we are just starting out.”
The coach was happy with a number of aspects of his team’s play and feels they will be much better prepared with another week of training.
“This match was important to us, because we have to play together as a team to become better. I believe we are a very dangerous team when we play with quick ball and that was something that I was unhappy about at the break. I had some harsh words for the players about the penalties conceded in the first half.”
“In the second half we applied ourselves better at the breakdown and we scored some very good tries. To score six, seven tries against a side with the quality of this World XV is very pleasing.”
The Springboks depart for Durban on Sunday with no immediate injury concerns.
“There are no injuries, and that is great news for us,” said the coach.
“We also scored some great tries with a number of them coming from the training fields, so I am happy. We knew it was going to be tough and we came though well.”
Springbok captain, Victor Matfield, who returned to team for the first time since 2011, said the side improved nicely as the game progressed.
“In the beginning we did not execute well, but once we managed to get into their half, we played well,” said Matfield. “It was a very good World XV, which gave us a lot of problems in the beginning.”
“On a personal level it was good to be back playing for the Springboks again. It always remains a massive honour.”
@ Gena_ZA:
Morning Gena,
I Think the sharks season will be defined by who they play against the Cheetahs, because they are playing a team near the bottom of the log, Jake should be taking his fringe players a week or two before that game and play them, because by all means surely they will be good enough, hae the boks on the bench “in case”… Then I think there will be renewed faith. If Jake does this he will again be hailed as a savant genius… then again it’s just logical.
@ Hondo:
Wian Herbst was also supposed to be a springbok last year? He might be injured though, I am not sure.
@ Gena_ZA:
@29
Have a look at that first try, Jannie was following at a weary walking pace when it was scored 3 meters away right in front of him…Beast was the only Shark up front with a bit of spark…a little bit…..
@ Pietman:
and Bismarc looked completely drained, Burden raun around him 2 or 3 times with ease, Kockott caught a lot of shine when he took those quick taps and started running, he was a lot better than Pienaar… but Craig Burden was phenomenal, Heyneke made a massive error picking Schalk Brits ahead of Burden.
The best hooker newlands has seen in at least 4 years.
@ MacroBok:
Burden yes, agreed!
MacroBok wrote:
Hi there MacroBok,
Wise yes but it would be a two edged sword as the reserves arguably play better than the first choice props
@ Gena_ZA:
Personally I think that would be a good thing?
(Ek het toe n group quest gekry)
Chiliboy Ralepelle has tested positive for steroids, according to French sports daily L’Equipe.
The Toulouse hooker ruptured cruciate ligaments in his right knee against Biarritz on 17 February. According to the newspaper, he then underwent an unannounced doping test by the IRB, which found traces of Drostanolone (an anabolic steroid) in the ‘A’ sample of his urine. This was then confirmed by the French Agency against Doping (AFLD).
On the Boks’ end-of-year tour in 2010, Ralepelle and Bjoen Basson tested positive for methylhexanamine. However, they claimed it was in the Bok-approved supplements that they had taken and were let off the hook.
Ralepelle faces a two-year ban if found guilty this time round.
39 @ nortierd:
I’m afraid he won’t get this one swept under the SARU carpet like the last time.
No sympathy from me if true. Throw the book at him.
@Scrumdown 40
Yep, agree with you
@ nortierd:
Eish goodbye lucrative French contract.
@MB
Unfortunately so yes, costly action if it proves to be true
@ superBul:
6
The Daily Telegraph’s comments sector is up in arms about Owen who they believe eased the rusty ABs into a last minute victory
Owen surely denied the Poms two tries when the ball was near the ABs line but that’s not the whole story why the Poms lost: their backs are sub standards and could not convert the possession and territory advantages into points, they wasted good line breaks with no support of runners at all.
With the Test season proper about to commence, the Springboks’ primary mission is simple: unseat the All Blacks as the best team in the world, writes RYAN VREDE.
The Springboks lost just two Tests in 2013, both against the All Blacks, who entrenched themselves as the pre-eminent side in the game with an unbeaten season. They shadowed the Blacks in all key performance areas but were blitzed at Ellis Park by the world champions, who continue to find ways to evolve and avoid stagnation.
An away victory in Australia and the maintenance of their unbeaten record in Europe under coach Heyneke Meyer underlined their impressive progress since he took the reins two seasons ago. At the end of 2013 there was clear breathing room between them as suitors to the Blacks’ throne and those in the chasing pack. Two defeats in a Test season, one referee Romain Pointe contributed to significantly through a weak performance, constituted a strong season and was a base from which to launch their assault on the No 1 ranking this year.
Having set the aforementioned benchmark, they must not regress. Progress will be defined by their performance against the All Blacks in Wellington and then beating them at Ellis Park in October. I think they’ll heed the lessons that emerged from last season’s Ellis Park defeat and reverse that result. They’re also at a point in their journey under Meyer where they can seriously contemplate taking the points from the Cake Tin clash. The Springboks haven’t beaten the Blacks since 2011, a run of four Tests. They have to arrest that trend.
On the evidence of the last decade, one has to assume that the Blacks will find a way to improve. Indeed this has been at the heart of them occupying the summit of the game’s rankings for as long as they have. This complicates the Springboks’ task. They’re not chasing a stationary target, but a dynamic and formidable one that’s fiercely protective and proud of their status.
One senses the Blacks are acutely aware of the pursuit, more so than they have been since the 2009 season, when they were second best to the Springboks. The emphatic 38-27 victory at Ellis Park was a statement of superiority over their historical rivals. It revealed that, while the gap between the sides has narrowed, they remain by some distance the best side in the world, one capable of feats like beating the Springboks at altitude, at a ground where their hosts have traditionally thrived.
Tactically the Springboks have shown the ability to trouble any side, including the Blacks, on attack, and barring some soft moments have defended well (they conceded three more tries and scored one less than the Blacks in the Rugby Championship). They also have experienced players equipped with the temperament for the big occasion and youngsters who’ve shown immense promise.
They’ll need good fortune with injuries. Already a number of key players have sustained season-ending injuries, with a clutch more nursing serious knocks at present. The Blacks’ central contracting system gives them a greater degree of certainty on the last count, but overall the ingredients are there for the Springboks to oust Richie McCaw’s champion side. We wait.
@ superBul:
That’s a good read Superbully.
Ellis Park last year, put Meyer in a position where he needed a bonus point win to take The Championship.
That forced him to play the All Blacks at their own game. Attack.
I give him his dues, he had a go.
40 @ Scrumdown:
Stem saam 100%.
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