Injured players will come back strong – Meyer

Players like Jean de Villiers (fractured jaw), Duane Vermeulen (neck), Jannie du Plessis (knee), Fourie du Preez (knee), Willie le Roux (ankle), Francois Louw (shoulder) and Coenie Oosthuizen (neck) have not been able to participate in contact sessions of late but Meyer feels the players will make a speedy recovery.
 

“I know that there have been a lot of injuries but players have really recovered well,” said Meyer. “I have to honest and say these players are true warriors; from charcoal you get diamonds. They have been through a great deal and they are mentally tough.
 

“There will be (early) games when we can blend these guys in and they are working really hard to play. I would say someone like Duane is in really good shape.”
 

Scrumhalf Rudy Paige was a surprise choice ahead Cobus Reinach even though he was out in the cold during the Springboks’ recent matches.
 

Meyer said he told the uncapped Paige on last year’s end-of-year tour that he should work hard at his game.
 

“The plan was to give him a chance to play (in recent games) but then we (Boks) lost a few games, and then that changed our plans.
 

“Looking back I probably should have played him but I don’t think that one match is going to make a difference,” said Meyer.
 

“He’s got a great kicking game in the wet.
 

“I really feel for Cobus (after he was not selected).” - ANA

(File photo: Gallo Images)