"I want to be part of the solution": Meyer
Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer says he wants to retain his position when the coaching and management team are reviewed by the SA Rugby Union (Saru) Executive council in December.
The Springboks arrived at OR Tambo International on Monday after beating Argentina 24-13 in London last week to claim third place in the Rugby World Cup.
South Africa lost to eventual champions New Zealand 20-18 in their semifinal on October 24. The Springboks were also involved in the biggest shock defeat of the tournament in their opening game when they went down 34-32 to Japan on September 19.
With much criticism directed at the Springbok team and management for underperformance, Meyer was optimistic he could still help South African rugby move forward.
“I want to be part of the solution.I’m very proud of the boys. I am loyal to SA and I want to stay here,” said Meyer on his return to South Africa.
“I know what it takes to win and I have confidence in SA Rugby. I just want to remain involved.”
Jurie Roux, the chief executive officer of Saru, said that the contracts of all of the national team’s coaching, medical and logistical staff expire at the end of the year.
“The Executive Council has the power to appoint management and coaching staff with the exception of the position of the Springbok coach, which is ultimately decided by the General Council of SARU,” said Roux.
“That body meets on December 4 when the position of the Springbok coach for 2016 will be on the agenda. Once all affected individuals have been notified of any decisions a public announcement will be made, which is not expected before December 5.
Losing to the All Blacks by two points for a place in the final, the Springboks were unable to score a try while their opponents crossed the line on two occasions. Despite the lack of attacking flair from the Springboks, Meyer said they could still have pulled off a win.
“At the end of the day it was just a drop goal between the two teams,” said Meyer.
Flank Schalk Burger who played a pivotal role for the Springboks said the way his team recovered after their loss to Japan showed their true character.
“After our start, any lesser group would have fallen apart, we didn’t,” said Burger.
“The All Blacks are a world class team and showed it in the final.”
One of the revelations of the World Cup for the Springboks was the performance of veteran scrumhalf Fourie du Preez at the age of 33. Du Preez was part of the World Cup winning Springbok side in 2007.
Du Preez believed there was great potential in South African rugby.
“It was the ride of my life. We don’t have to reinvent the wheel, but there’s work to be done,” said Du Preez.
“It was so marginal (the loss to New Zealand) but it’s up to us to get that two to three percent (better) right now.” - ANA
(File photo: Gallo Images)