As said in the build up to the announcement of Heyneke Meyer as the new Bok coach, I am a fan of both the man and the appointment … With the fact that he has been away from the actual coal face of coaching for a while being perhaps the only question mark, but like Jake White at the Brumbies, Meyer will appoint clever assistants, and catch up quickly …
The SMS that he sent to the Bulls players (as broken by Sias du Plessis on Twitter, and translated into English by SuperSport.com) the day before the announcement further confirms my faith in Meyer as both a person and coach. This guy is a people person looking to get the best out of his players, both on and off the field …
Meyer sent the following SMS to the Bulls players, coaching staff and close friends as he spent his last night as the Bulls Director of Coaching, thanking them for their loyalty and support over the years.
“I will be appointed as Springbok coach tomorrow. I don’t want you to hear it in the media.
It was a very very big decision for me. But it is about the bigger picture. Just want to say thank you for what you meant in my life.
It is because of the inputs of my whole management team that this is possible today. It wasn’t my own feat alone.
Want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.nI am going to miss you, especially the great times. Thank you very very much.
Apologies if my decision damages you in any way. It was never my intention. Want to do the best for you, the team and every individual.
It is goodbye, but not farewell. May God bless you richly. Proud to be associated with you. Once a Bull, always a Bull.
Greetings, Heyneke Meyer.”
Meyer’s new role began on Friday when he accepted what is arguably the toughest assignment in world rugby …
And his first job is no easy one … Trying to find a way to work with the Super Rugby franchises. With Super Rugby taking a break in order to “Allow” the Boks to play three tests against England, the franchises and SARU are immediatly at loggerheads … Super Rugby glory vs Springbok glory. Obviously the Boks should be the priority, especially given the short time that Meyer will get with the players, BUT …. The franchises pay the player’s salaries!!
Speaking of Super Rugby, below the pre-season warm up games:
February 4
Bulls v Kings @ Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth
Western Force v Brumbies @ Austar Rugby Park, Darwin
Blues v Hurricanes @ Toll Stadium, Whangarei
Stormers v Cheetahs @ DHL Newlands, Cape Town
February 10
Waratahs v Samoa @ Scully Park, Tamworth
Sharks v Boland @ Mr Price Kings Park, Durban
February 11
Stormers v Kings @ Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
Reds v Brumbies @ Barlow Park, Cairns
Highlanders v Chiefs @ Wakapitu Park, Queenstown
Bulls v Cheetahs @ Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane
Hurricanes v Crusaders @ Spuds Farm, Mangatainoka
Blues v Rebels @ AAMI Park, Melbourne
February 14
Lions v Kings @ Outenquia Park, George
February 16
Western Force v Reds @ NIB Stadium, Perth
Brumbies v ACT xv @ Viking Park, Canberra
February 17
Blues v Highlanders @ Uni Tec, Auckland
Chiefs v Hurricanes @ Owen Delany Park, Taupo
Waratahs v Tonga @ Sydney Football Stadium
Sharks v Kings @ Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth
February 18
Rebels v Crusaders @ AAMI Park, Melbourne
2012 Super Rugby round one
24 February
Blues v Crusaders @ Eden Park, Auckland
Brumbies v Force @ Canberra Stadium, Canberra
Bulls v Sharks @ Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
25 February
Chiefs v Highlanders @ Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Waratahs v Reds @ ANZ Stadium, Sydney
Stormers v Hurricanes @ DHL Newlands, Cape Town
Lions v Cheetahs @ Coca-Cola Park, Johannesburg