Ex Sport 24
Cape Town – Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer has defended himself against charges that he overly favours a collision-based approach to rugby.
Asked whether the Boks would start playing with greater “off-load” flair, in the manner of the All Blacks and domestic side the Sharks, or if what is known in Afrikaans as “stampkar” rugby is perceived as a better option, he replied: “Something few people know is that we off-loaded more than the All Blacks in Dunedin (when South Africa lost 21-11 recently despite dominating some areas).
“It’s about the right time and place to play ‘off-load’ rugby.
“You will see that taller players like Sonny Bill (Williams) are by nature better off-loaders, because they get their hands through the tackle.
“I certainly don’t believe in the so-called ‘stampkar’ rugby ... some of my previous teams scored the most tries in their respective competitions.” (Please note - man the nonsense we have heard about Meyer re that!!!!!)
The coach remainded cagey on the subject of veteran, Japan-based scrumhalf Fourie du Preez, who is rumoured to be in his plans for the end-of-year tour of Britain and Ireland.
Grilled over Du Preez’s chances of the nod, he said: “It’s still a bit premature to speculate about team selections for the November tour.
“We currently have two very good scrumhalves (Ruan Pienaar and Francois Hougaard) in our squad with a third, Jano Vermaak, who’s been with us the entire season.
“I watch every player locally and abroad who can add value. I will always look at the local option first, though.”
Asked whether specialist open-side flank Heinrich Brussow, who has not yet featured under the Meyer regime, would stay on his radar, Meyer said: “When Heinrich works through all his injury problems and regains his form, there is no reason why we won’t look at him again (Agreed keep an open mind but will be suprised if he gets that 6 jeersey back barring injuries- keeps ou snapster interested!!!)
Against nz theee was not a great deal wrong with most of the rugby played by the Boks but a few exceptions robbed us of victory. That is the realistic view to take,.
