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Johannesburg - There's a problem with Heyneke Meyer's Springbok coaching style, says former Bok mentor, Jake White.
According to the Beeld website, speaking at Emperors Palace on Wednesday, White, who now coaches the Brumbies in Super Rugby, said Meyer's style isn't one which is going to help the Boks achieve success.
"The Boks' 16-all draw against Argentina last weekend is a perfect example," White said.
"If you don't pick up a four-try bonus point against Argentina, something's wrong.
"Heyneke will always be open for criticism thanks to his previous association with the Bulls.
"He was picked as Springbok coach as a result of his success as Bulls coach and Director of Coaching, and of course that will play a role in the way he coaches the Boks."
White added that he believed Meyer will default back to what worked so successfully for the Bulls as soon as he or the team is under pressure.
"For example, if he has to choose between (Stormers fullback) Gio Aplon and his Bulls counterpart Zane Kirchner, he'll select Kirchner every time."
Meyer, 44, who succeeded Peter de Villiers as national coach in January 2012, has a Test record of "won three and drawn two" since taking over.
The Springboks, currently second in the Rugby Championship standings, take on Australia in Perth on September 8 in their next Test.
HAVE YOUR SAY: After five Tests in charge, is it too early to declare Heyneke Meyer a success or failure as Springbok coach? Would you like to see Jake White back at the helm? Send your thoughts to Sport24.
According to the Beeld website, speaking at Emperors Palace on Wednesday, White, who now coaches the Brumbies in Super Rugby, said Meyer's style isn't one which is going to help the Boks achieve success.
"The Boks' 16-all draw against Argentina last weekend is a perfect example," White said.
"If you don't pick up a four-try bonus point against Argentina, something's wrong.
"Heyneke will always be open for criticism thanks to his previous association with the Bulls.
"He was picked as Springbok coach as a result of his success as Bulls coach and Director of Coaching, and of course that will play a role in the way he coaches the Boks."
White added that he believed Meyer will default back to what worked so successfully for the Bulls as soon as he or the team is under pressure.
"For example, if he has to choose between (Stormers fullback) Gio Aplon and his Bulls counterpart Zane Kirchner, he'll select Kirchner every time."
Meyer, 44, who succeeded Peter de Villiers as national coach in January 2012, has a Test record of "won three and drawn two" since taking over.
The Springboks, currently second in the Rugby Championship standings, take on Australia in Perth on September 8 in their next Test.
HAVE YOUR SAY: After five Tests in charge, is it too early to declare Heyneke Meyer a success or failure as Springbok coach? Would you like to see Jake White back at the helm? Send your thoughts to Sport24.
