Meyer full of relief and praise

Editor

Heyneke Meyer described his side’s 27-25 win over New Zealand as one of the best matches in which he had been involved.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer described his side’s 27-25 win over New Zealand as one of the best matches in which he had been involved.

The support of the sell-out Ellis Park crowd also lifted the team’s effort, he said.

“I have been involved in rugby for almost 30 years and this support was unbelievable,” explained Meyer.

“We saw the crowd support on the way into the stadium and the national anthem was awesome. It was an unbelievable Test match.

“At home you have to pull these close matches through. New Zealand are a world class outfit and really came back at us. We have played good rugby this year and at times in this match as well.

“In the Wellington match we had two chances five metres out to win it and today we used those chances.

“We are relieved that this is done now. The win was due. We appreciate the compliments the All Blacks gave us afterwards, we do respect each other.”

The Springboks edged out the Rugby Championship winners with a late penalty by replacement fly-half Pat Lambie and Meyer admitted that he was not sure about the range of his player.

“Pat never answered me on how far he could kick when I asked him at the captain’s run, so I was not sure if he could kick those long ones,” he added.

“I am very pleased with Pat, he really worked hard. Handr