Cape Town - Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer has expressed his satisfaction with the depth they have in the scrumhalf position.
With Fourie du Preez and Ruan Pienaar out injured, Francois Hougaard has stepped up to the plate in the last few Tests. He was named man-of-the-match in South Africa's 28-10 win over Australia at Newlands, and also performed adequately in last Saturday's 27-25 win over New Zealand at Ellis Park.
Hougaard's understudy, Cobus Reinach, also showed potential in the short time he's been with the team.
"I'm very satisfied with the progress we've made this year," Meyer told Beeld. "I always thought we'd be in serious trouble if we lose Fourie du Preez and Ruan Pienaar as scrumhalves. But look how brilliant Hougie (Hougaard) was. I also have no doubt that Cobus Reinach has a bright future now that we've changed a few things in his game."
With the Rugby Championship now completed, the Springboks now shift their attentions to their year-end tour to Europe where games against Ireland in Dublin (November 8), England in London (November 15), Italy in Padova (November 22) and Wales in Cardiff (November 29) await.
With Fourie du Preez and Ruan Pienaar out injured, Francois Hougaard has stepped up to the plate in the last few Tests. He was named man-of-the-match in South Africa's 28-10 win over Australia at Newlands, and also performed adequately in last Saturday's 27-25 win over New Zealand at Ellis Park.
Hougaard's understudy, Cobus Reinach, also showed potential in the short time he's been with the team.
"I'm very satisfied with the progress we've made this year," Meyer told Beeld. "I always thought we'd be in serious trouble if we lose Fourie du Preez and Ruan Pienaar as scrumhalves. But look how brilliant Hougie (Hougaard) was. I also have no doubt that Cobus Reinach has a bright future now that we've changed a few things in his game."
With the Rugby Championship now completed, the Springboks now shift their attentions to their year-end tour to Europe where games against Ireland in Dublin (November 8), England in London (November 15), Italy in Padova (November 22) and Wales in Cardiff (November 29) await.