Heyneke Meyer satisfied with three planning camps going into the England 3 test tour.

Heyneke Meyer met a total of 104 leading players at his three camps, each one of them had a one to one meeting with him as well as a fitness test.

“I have to say I have been surprised by the knowledge the players have,” Meyer said.

“For that I must give credit to the franchise coaches.

“I’ve been impressed by the players’ attitudes and it is clear that they all want to play for South Africa.

“This exercise of meeting the players and having one-on-ones was not just about the Springboks but rather for South African rugby.

“Having had a chat with the players I know now where I stand with them.”

Meyer again admitted that injuries during the Super Rugby season were proving to be a massive challenge for the new Bok mentor ahead of a home tour against England in June.

“It will probably happen that there will be more youngsters in the Springbok squad than I initially envisaged because of all the injuries,” he said.

“The good thing about these camps is that the players who have been invited will all be aware that they are in with a chance of making the national squad.

“My thinking of what the first Bok squad will look like has changed a few times and it is testing on one’s focus.”

Meyer said he would break the silence on the new Bok captain a week ahead of the first Test against England.

“I just think so much can happen from now until then and we can see how many players have been hit by injury,” he said.

“I’ve decided that I will only name the captain a week before the time.

“The captains of the franchises have impressed me and since some of them are presently injured I am at ease because I have seen that there are more leaders out there.

“My thinking is that the captaincy will be short term and only once I’ve worked with the players on a regular basis will I know who the captain is going forward.”

Heyneke Meyer believes the flyhalf trade in South Africa may be at a 10-year high, and that it will enhance the country’s overall backline play as a result.

Speaking at a media briefing at Newlands here on Thursday, Meyer believes that flyhalf was one of the positions giving him fewer concerns than others, when asked about youngster Johan Goosen and his injury he had this to say.

“I won’t say he wouldn’t have made the June Tests, but I won’t say he would have, either: put it this way, he’d have had a good chance.

“But the great things is, suddenly a position where I thought South Africa were perhaps lacking for the last 10 years or so — we had one or two flyhalves, but not too many who could create or play tactically – (now boasts) four or five great options.

“I’ve also been very impressed by Peter Grant lately. He’s playing his best rugby, so he’s an option.

“As for Goosen, I do believe he can become the best flyhalf in the world when he reaches a mature age. I’ve chatted to him a lot, and told him I like the way he puts his body on the line, is very physical … I want that from a flyhalf or any player representing South Africa for that matter.

“The injury is a blow, and he’ll get others in his career, but he’s mentally tough and hopefully the rehab goes well and he’ll be back playing. He’s a guy we can definitely (earmark) for the future, with some special attributes.

“But Patrick Lambie is another youngster in the running and Elton Jantjies was impressive in the camp.

“So yes, suddenly there are fine flyhalves and that’s why I think our backline play will improve.

“World Cups and especially finals have shown how important the No 10 is to your game-plan. If you look at my history I’ve not been scared to pick young ones in that position: Derick (Hougaard), Morne (Steyn) were about 19 or 20 when (blooded by the Bulls during Meyer’s tenure there).”

Asked by Sport24 whether the increasingly high-stakes Bulls versus Stormers derby a week before the first Test against England was a perpetual nightmare to him, Meyer said: “All four (SA teams playing on June 2) are worrying me!”

Apart from the big north-south crunch, there is also a match between the Lions and Sharks in Johannesburg.

“It is a very difficult scenario: the last thing I want to do is ask the guys to hold back. Obviously I want them to win Super Rugby. They’ll go flat out and there will be a lot of guys sore after those games.

“I know our players are very competitive (for derbies) and naturally I want to see that very same competitiveness against England, and also to go to another level. It will be tough, for sure.

“I don’t want to talk up those games as ‘final trials’ because then they will definitely kill each other … I ought to have a 90 percent idea of the side before entering them.

“But I’ll still only name the team after those games have taken place.”

Looking at this Heyneke Meyer sure is making the right noises. He seems to be meticulous in his approach to get to know every possible candidate, his preparation is more thorough than even Jake White's was 8 years ago, and he is also in a situation where for the first time in a while South Africa seems to have players who are not only of the right physical prowess, but posesses a wider range of skills than before.

He was very specific in who he wanted as his management team and SARU has complied. So overall Meyer is in a position no other South African coach has been in the professional era. You would expect all these factors to indicate to one thing only, getting back ontop of the pile.

All that is required now, is for him to deliver.

I really like him and think that he is down to earth and will get the players very motivated.
He will deliver

I'm very excited to see what the Boks can deliver...
So many players playing well, with a load of exciting players all over the park to choose from too...

Good time's ahead for SA rugby I think...

I agree, he's saying the right things, speaks in a manner we all understand, and seems to be open with his thoughts so keeping SA fans informed. He's also talking in a smart way that's letting us all know that SA have options, credible options. If they do well against England, look out the rest!!

Is it fair to say that the Boks will play like Ireland with ROG at 10 except better?

Not exactly Tri, we have better forwards too.