Ex Keo
Fourie du Preez has strongly endorsed Heyneke Meyer for the Springboks coaching role and indicated that he would reconsider retirement from Test rugby if he was appointed.
The former Springboks scrumhalf is currently playing for Japanese side Suntory Goliath. The 29-year-old was widely recognised as the world’s finest No 9 before opting to end his international career after the 2011 World Cup. He was initially opposed to the idea of continuing in the green and gold, citing his desire to spend more time with his family, but said he would reconsider that position if Meyer got the nod.
‘I think Heyneke would be the perfect candidate and he deserves the opportunity given what he’s achieved,’ Du Preez said. ‘This will be a rebuilding year for the Boks and Heyneke has shown that there’s nobody better at putting structures into place for long-term success.
‘He could build something that lasts beyond the four-year cycle between World Cups and I think we need that. He hasn’t been a head coach at Test level but indirectly he’s been responsible for much of the success of South African rugby through his player identification and player development at senior and junior level. A hands-on role would make him so much more valuable to South African rugby.’
Du Preez concluded with a telling statement: ‘I’d reconsider international retirement if Heyneke became coach. I would have to prove myself. He must want me. There can be no free rides but I’d love to play under him.’
Meyer, who is expected to be installed in the position on Friday, is known to be a great appreciator of Du Preez’s talent and would welcome his return. Indeed there is a strong possibility that he would initiate it.
In an interview with SA Rugby magazine in 2011 Meyer said of Du Preez: ‘If he doesn’t play the Boks are in serious trouble and the Bulls wouldn’t be the side they have been in the past couple of years.
‘People point out that he is integral to their game plan, which is true. There isn’t a better box-kicking scrumhalf in world rugby. But that doesn’t take into account his full value.
‘As the link between the forwards and the backs he is the most influential player on the park. No player can match his decision-making under pressure. It’s also no secret why Morné [Steyn, Bulls and Springbok flyhalf] excelled in 2009 and struggled in 2010. Fourie takes so much pressure off him. He is the team’s brain and his absence is more often than not reflected in the result. If your scrumhalf crumbles under pressure your whole team will fall apart. Fourie never will because he has no flaws that can be exploited. Absolutely none.’
Meanwhile, another of Meyer’s former students, Victor Matfield, has also issued a veiled suggestion that he could put his retirement on hold to play under Meyer (OH NO PLEASE NOT!!!!). ‘Everyone knows what I think about Heyneke, but we must wait until Friday before we talk about it,’ the 110-cap lock told the Pretoria News. ‘Let’s wait and see what happens, we will talk. Everything has consequences. Playing? I don’t know but we will see. It depends if he wants me. I really don’t know, it is difficult to say …’
At 29 Du Preez is not to old but didnt really impress in 2011. Maybe Meyer can bring out the best in him?
