Finally after having to endure four years of embarrassment under Peter de Villiers the Boks will have a serious rugby coach deserving of the title.
Heyneke Meyer will be announced Bok coach tomorrow! The man who built up the Bulls into the 3 time Super 15 Champs and launched the careers of Matfield, Botha, Rossouw, du Preez etc will get the position he should've got 4 years ago (which was snatched from him at the last minute due to political pressure lead by Cheeky Watson, Luke Watson's father). What a pity that one of SA's most talented rugby generations lost four years and only enjoyed a 63% win rate rather than an 85% rate all that talent and experience deserved. What a pity not enough young players were sensibly introduced into the system over that period to be ready now. What a waste but that's SA sports/politics for you!
Looking forward to what is to come!
Watch out for the Boks!
posted on 26/1/12
As long as we're winning I don't mind how we play!
Seriously: It'll take a while to put in place a very different game plan but to start one of Lambie, Goosen or Jantjies at 10 rather than Stein would be a good move. I'd like to see Hougard at 9, Taute at 15 and F Steyn back in SA playing 12.
posted on 26/1/12
F Steyn: Ur gona have to drag him away from a big pay cheque in france first... could be difficult. whats his contract in france look like?
ruan pienaar? any room for him? From my point of view hes a super player. hes due large amounts of thanks from the ulster fans as he has been integral in getting them from also rans to genuine contenders.
He won the Player of the year in the Pro12 last year
He signed an extension to his contract with ulster but im not sure for how long so maybe hes not available anyway.
To be fair i think you are not short on talent in every position, you were just short of a manager who knew what he was doing.
So i think you will be kicking on and normal service should resume regarding the World Rankings. With the SH teams being 1,2,3 and the NH picking up the rear
Regarding this : "As long as we're winning I don't mind how we play"
Mate if you dont play expansive rugby your not gona win much. the forward orientated game is a thing of the past these days. But again i don't think you will have too much problem as u have the talent in SA to put together a winning team.
posted on 26/1/12
I've always been a big Pienaar fan but unfortunately he has never reached his potential. A bit messed around by the Sharks and Boks position wise as he is so talented that he was played in so many positions just to have him on the field when all he really wants to play is ten.
Rotating him and Fourie du Preez over the last six or so years only probably would have been the better option.
Think our weakest position is 8 with Spies, Alberts, Strauss, Johnson and Vermeulen competing. Wouldn't be surprised if Burger isn't tested at 8 with Juan Smith and Brussouw on the flanks at some stage. Rumour in SA is that Smith may move to lock to replace Bakkis Botha as he is getting on, not as mobile as before but still very mobile for a lock.
posted on 26/1/12
Correction above: Pienaar would really rather play 9 not 10
posted on 26/1/12
Indeed he plays 9 for Ulster only slotting in at 10 when Humphreys is injured or subbed.
He's a cracking player tho. At 9 he rules that game. Just a brilliant scrum half full stop.
RE: Spies... i really rate this guy, in fact he's very highly rated in this part of the world. (NH)
posted on 26/1/12
Errrmmmm MAX mate i just read this:
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Heyneke Meyer has been approached by the South African Rugby Union about becoming the new Springboks coach.
However, Meyer's current employers, the Blue Bulls, have reiterated that they have no plans to release their 44-year-old director of rugby from his four-year contract.
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Seems its not etched in stone just yet mate. Any other names in the hat? I understood that Nick Mallet might have been in the frame and also Gert Small was approached but turned it down to stay on with Ireland.... THANK GOD FOR THAT!
posted on 26/1/12
You're joking! After his last two seasons how can Spies be highly rated! When the Boks need him to man up and be physical he wilts like a flower! He has been named captain of the Bulls in replace of the retiring Matfield so lets hope that this forces him to pull finger and show what he is made of.
posted on 26/1/12
It'll be Meyer almost 100%, Bulls just a bit angry as he is on a four year contract. Probably looking for some form of compensation.
For good SA rugby news check out:
www.keo.co.za
www.supersport.com
www.rugby365.com
posted on 27/1/12
Well Max. u were spot on tipping Meyer.
Best of irish luck going forward.
posted on 30/1/12
It's looking good and so far he's saying all the right things.