POLL: Should Heyneke Meyer stay or go?

That's perhaps how South Africa and Argentina are feeling right now as the prospect looms of a Rugby World Cup bronze final playoff on a freezing cold English Friday night at the Olympic Stadium in London.

Based on the opening statement, it would seem that Friday's playoff match is nothing more than an additional obligation for the two losing semi-finalists to fulfil and has no real genuine value when it comes to bragging rights.

The burning question facing Meyer's employers, the SA Rugby Union, right now extends well beyond lamenting what might have been at the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Although Meyer refused to be drawn for an answer, indications are that he is likely to remain in his post as Springbok head coach, despite the narrow 20-18 Rugby World Cup semi-final defeat by bitter rivals New Zealand at Twickenham.

Media reports have surfaced again, post-World Cup, that Meyer looks set to continue coaching the Boks next year and appears to have already signed a contract extension, possibly until 2019.

Let's face it, barring the Japanese mugging in their group opener, the Boks never disappointed and I wouldn't exactly call a two point losing margin against the greatest team on the planet a disgrace either.

So, based on that, Meyer need not cower in a corner like a punished child or hide away like an animal in a thunder storm.

Meyer's future as Bok coach can only be judged, it would appear, on technical acumen, his ability to adapt to the demands of the modern game and to change game plan based on what happens on the field.

There was evidence of a one-dimensional old Bulls-style approach in the semi-final and the outside backs were always looking for work.

One can only win a match with ball in hand and the Boks played the bulk of the match trapped in their own half of the field. The All Blacks were also very effective on rush defence and troubling the Boks at the breakdown.

So the question arises: Do you feel Heyneke Meyer's tenure should end now and the Boks should move on to a new era, or do you feel Meyer has a group of emerging players who have the potential to be world beaters and SA Rugby should retain his services?

(File photo: Gallo Images)