No let-up from Springboks

Published: Friday, 22. June, 2012 in category South Africa
Meyer: His men will have foot on the gas

Meyer's side have an unassailable 2-0 lead heading into the final match of their three-Test series at Port Elizabeth's Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Meyer might therefore have been tempted to ease the burden on some of his established stars by fielding a number of new faces but he has rejected any suggestion of that.

The former Leicester boss said: "It is always great to get new guys involved.

"It is a proud moment for them and their families when they get announced as Springbok players but I have said from the start I don't want to make it cheap.

"It is a very big honour to play for your country and I want some continuity going forward.

"These are only the first few steps in a long journey and we must use every single opportunity to make us a better team."

Meyer's only changes have been enforced with full-back Pat Lambie and flanker Willem Alberts replaced by Gio Aplon and debutant Jacques Potgieter respectively due to injuries.

Wynand Olivier takes the place of inside centre Frans Steyn, who is getting married this weekend.

Meyer said: "Unfortunately there have been a few injuries but I am very happy with the guys coming in.

"There is a lot of experience coming in and one or two new caps.

"We are still far from where we want to be but at least there is some continuity going forward."

Meyer's other major decision this week was to name Jean de Villiers as his captain for the remainder of the 2012 South African season.

The experienced 31-year-old centre was initially given the job just for this series by new coach Meyer in succession to the retired John Smit.

Meyer said: "I have been coaching against Jean for about 10 years.

"I knew him as a player on and off the field but not in the same way.

"I have always thought he is a great captain but he has actually been unbelievable. He has been much more than my expectations.

"I want the team to settle now and even now we are planning for the next series. I want the team to know he is the leader.

"It is always a huge start to have a special leader who can gel this team together. There are a lot of guys from different provinces and Jean has been outstanding."