Meyer heaps praise on AB Kicking game

Editor

South Africa's Heyneke Meyer has sung the praises of New Zealand kicking coach Mick Byrne ahead of their massive World Cup semi-final on Saturday.

Following the announcement of the Springbok team, Meyer discussed how the All Blacks have improved their game since their World Cup final victory in 2011.

"Mick Byrne has done a great job for them," said Meyer.

"They put you under pressure. We have been working hard since the beginning of the World Cup, especially our back three. We have put plans in place."

Meyer added that South Africa had the edge on their southern hemisphere counterparts in the kicking department, which contributed to a few wins, but that is no longer the case.

"That is one thing where South Africa beat them a few times," added the Springbok coach.

"They got together as a nation and worked on their aerial skills and kicking game. They always had a brilliant running game but they lacked, maybe, without being disrespectful to them, a kicking game.

"Now they don't have any weaknesses. I believe we fought back as a nation with our tactical kicking and they have really moved on."