Du Preez is the best in the world, says skipper

COACH Heyneke Meyer paid tribute to his team’s defence and the experience in their ranks after the Springboks’ 24-15 victory over Wales yesterday.

He admitted, however, that the tense game could have gone either way but that it was his team’s ability to put Wales to ground that won the day. “I was very worried about this game. I think we made a step up in defence. We also used our chances.

“Our experience shone through. There was no panic as we kept them out. We kept our cool,” reflected Meyer.

Captain Jean de Villiers was delighted that his team was able to put down an early marker. “A good start was important. We felt in control for most of the game, especially in the way we closed out the game,” said De Villiers, who celebrated his 11th year in the Springbok jersey yesterday.

The Boks lost Morne Steyn to a back spasm in the 17th minute but Meyer is of the opinion the flyhalf will recover in time for next Sunday’s clash against Scotland. “It’s not a big injury and we have seven days between games.

“It was a big setback losing Morne. I really wanted to see Pat [Lambie] at fullback. I thought Willie [le Roux] did brilliantly. He was under pressure but his kicking improved and he contested well in the air. Our tactical kicking was great and that made the difference.”

Scrumhalf Fourie du Preez scooped the man-of-the-match award and De Villiers had special mention for the talisman.

“When it comes to decision

A good start was important. We felt in control for most of the game

making he is probably the best in the world. He makes the right decision more times than not. It is good to see the older guys still performing,” said the captain.

Wales however questioned the legitimacy of Du Preez’s try. “I’m not blaming the referee for the defeat but Fourie was in front of the ball,” said Wales coach Warren Gatland.

The result of the match served to highlight the chasm between the best in the north and the south.

New Zealand reminded the Springboks of where they are in the international pecking order and if the Springboks are the second best then Wales are by some distance away from the zenith of test rugby.

“They get to play at that level all the time. It is not about fitness or physicality. It’s about the tempo and speed of thought. That’s the big difference between us and the southern hemisphere teams. It’s chalk and cheese. We want to play the best teams in the world.”