adminAUCKLAND. – Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer is a passionate man, but nothing he has faced so far will prepare him for tomorrow’s Castle Lager Rugby Championship showdown with world champions New Zealand at Eden Park.
Meyer has spoken this week about this being the ultimate challenge of his career and while tomorrow’s encounter is nowhere near a final, it certainly is being treated like one.
Often criticised as a boring coach, Meyer has shown how much passion he has for the game and especially the challenge of winning against the world champions. His performances in the coaching box have raised eyebrows.
He tends to get very emotional and excited when the Boks perform well, much to the amusement of fans!
And while he has apologised for his behaviour, Meyer certainly has nothing to feel sorry about.
In a sport littered with poker-face coaches whose answers are sanitised, he is a breath of fresh air that the New Zealanders have embraced with open arms.
The coach has described the showdown with the All Blacks as a “dream come true” – a true test of character and a real challenge and for once he is here with a Bok team that look like they are enjoying their game.
He raised a few eyebrows by telling the local media he will “face the haka” from the sideline as his team lines up in front of the New Zealanders and has said being so passionate about the game helps him make good calls during the game from the coaches box.
“To me to play the All Blacks and be the Springbok coach is a dream come true and an honour. The history comes a long way and not to take anything away from Australia but this week I can see I don’t have to say anything to the guys, they know they are in for the battle of their lives,” Meyer explains.
“South Africa against the All Blacks is the ultimate final in world rugby.
“While this is not a final, it is just one more step in our journey, it is really special. This is the home of rugby, this is where you want to play, especially against an All Black team that is unbeatable. For me it will be a great occasion just going onto the field. – AFP.
Online Reporter