I have been severely critical of initial moves by Meyer and want to set the record straight once and for all. I think that he has the potential to be a top coach. In this regard please note the fact that the emphasis is on initial moves - further explained in newspaper reports on his comments to the media. The latter largely depends on responses to questions and in doing that Meyer had to deal with issues in a manner of loyally supporting his team. In dealing with that issue the critical question is - what is he being asked to respond to?
There are serious public responses to a number of issues - like the position of some players in his team. The main focus area relates to the performances of Morne Steyn - and the impression given as to the role Steyn plays in the overall game plan to be implemented by the players.
We have seen player deficiencies in some respects - and that led to a wave of criticism of player selections and the perceived game plan. But is it really fair and reasonable to judge issues based on one or two poor displays by individuals and by some deficiencies in the in the English series? The series did not allow for development of a structured playing system and perceived deficiencies could be the result of that problem.
What really happens behind the scenes is most likely to be different from what the public is led to believe to be the case. I do not believe that Meyer would countenance poor performances by players. From a loyalty perspective he would not criticize players publicly and give them a chance to overcome their deficiencies. After all - we are all human and make mistakes and it is not fair to use one or even two matches and write off players. However, ultimately a series of bad performances would lead to their dismissal from the team.
I am sure that Meyer has the ability to develop the team into a very good unit. If I was in his position I would most likely do the same things as he did. The SA public is highly critical of coaches - and there is no difference here. Historically there was a number of major coaching flops - so Meyer is most likely aware of that and trying to take out insurance that it does not happen to him. He wants to develop a favourable initial impression and that he can only get by winning test matches. That most likely is the reason for Meyer trying to get back some of the players he thinks helped him in the past. - but I do not think that such a long term approach is likely.
I have to support the comments of Beeno as to the issue of giving Meyer a fair and reasonable chance to build up his own structures and develop a team. There is a lot of impatience around and in that respect Meyer is put in severe difficulties. I previously wrote about Du Plessis being worked out as a coach - because he started off with a new and somewhat revvolutionary game plan - and was never given a chance to fully implment the said plan. Are we not making a similar mistake here?
There are some issues where I believe Meyer should look at. The one major deficiency is backline coaching. I believe Jake White realized that and took Jones on board to help him with that. It is clear that we have a serious problem in backline coaching in SA as a whole and I believe that Meyer would realize that in time to come and take the necessary action to improve that component as well. He will learn also to handle critical questions from reporters better and create a better PR perspective.
In conclusion - Meyer is no fool - he fully realizes what happened to unsuccessful coaches in the past. He is dedicated to his objective to be a successful coach and serve SA Rugby loyally and with success. Lets give him a fair and reasonable chance to do just that. .
