A test of coach Meyer’s mettle
Despite an inexperienced team, Bok coach believes All Blacks can be beaten
IT is likely to be the most searching examination of Heyneke Meyer’s game plan and personnel. Facing the All Blacks anywhere is a daunting prospect, but playing them as far south as Dunedin requires more than tactical nous and iron will. Whether they are ready for tomorrow’s clash remains to be seen, but the Springbok coach has had six tests to prepare his side for this moment of truth. He has had to face questions about his game plan and some of his personnel, and it is fair to suggest on both fronts the All Blacks provide the game’s indisputable litmus test.
Meyer knows this and, although there are largely measured expectations of what his team is capable of against the world champions, the coach has to present a brave face.
“It’s always nice if the pressure is off, but I would be very naive if I had to feel that.
“Being the Springbok coach, the pressure is always on.
“The team usually play better, especially if they are inexperienced and when people write them off. We haven’t had a good record in New Zealand with great, experienced teams, so it can be a win-win for us.
“I have a lot of respect for the All Blacks, but if you don’t believe that you have a chance to win, then you will never win,” Meyer said.
That, of course, is not beyond the realm of possibility, but if the Springboks fell short of expectations against Australia last week, the All Blacks too have reason to look inward. They were off their best as a gutsy Argentina and the atrocious conditions in Wellington conspired against them.
They, too, will be searching for improvements
‘ It’s nice if the pressure is off, but I would be naive if I had to feel that
much in the way they did after the second test against Ireland earlier this season. Coach Steve Hansen then likened the experience to washing windows without getting into the corners. They then thoroughly cleaned up.
For this challenge the Springboks need to heed Meyer’s call for them to front up and display mental toughness, but how they respond may be compromised before kick-off. His experience and the position he occupies dictate that tighthead prop Jannie du Plessis deliver a performance of outsized proportions.
The hamstring injury he sustained against the Wallabies has, however, made him a potential late withdrawal, which, if it comes to pass, will be devastating to the tourists. The Springboks cannot afford further withdrawals due to injury. As it is the All Blacks boast seven players in their match-day 22 with 50 caps or more. The Boks only have Bryan Habana, Jean de Villiers and Ruan Pienaar.
All three will recall the peaks the Springboks scaled here in 2008, but this match presents a new challenge which will either embolden Meyer’s beliefs or rock him to his core.
All Blacks: Israel Dagg; Corey Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Julian Savea; Aaron Cruden, Piri Weepu; Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (captain), Liam Messam; Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano; Owen Franks, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock.
Substitutes: Keven Mealamu, Charlie Faumuina, Brodie Retallick, Victor Vito; Aaron Smith, Beauden Barrett, Tamati Ellison.
Springboks: Zane Kirchner; Bryan Habana, Jean de Villiers (captain), Frans Steyn, Francois Hougaard; Morne Steyn, Ruan Pienaar; Duane Vermeulen, Willem Alberts, Francois Louw; Juandre Kruger, Flip van der Merwe; Jannie du Plessis, Adriaan Strauss, Tendai Mtawarira. Substitutes: Tiaan Liebenberg, Dean Greyling, Andries Bekker, Marcell Coetzee; Johan Goosen, Juan de Jongh, Pat Lambie.