Simon Kotze asked:
Obviously we only have the facts as given by the media. I really question the short sightedness of the Bull''s Board for having a problem to let Meyer go. Surely SA Rugby is much more important than standing in the way of a man that will probably take us to a level where Bok rugby deserves to play at? What is wrong with these men?
Brenden answered:
Simon, while I agree its a bit shortsighted, you have to understand their position as well. They appointed Heyneke at the time thinking he would stay for four years. I can understand they're not happy, but the way they've gone about it is rather childish.
werner asked:
1Beast 2bismark 3jannie 4bakkies 5andries bekker 6heindrich 7juan smith 8spies 9hougaart 10morne 12frans 13doppies 11habana 14 jp 15lambie why worry about victor and fourie there is players to fill the gaps how bout making juan smith captain he is the no1 flank and u will always choose him first who is the best oprtion in my lineup for captain
Brenden answered:
Werner not a bad team but experience is always vital. Victor is unlikely to ever play again, and would rather coach now. Juan Smith is having trouble with his achilles, and could be a long term casualty, but is definitely a class player. Other than that, Doppies isnt an outside centre, and Bakkies wont play international rugby again. But still not a bad side.
balata asked:
dink jy heyneke meyer is die regte man om die bok afrigter te wees.indien ja dink jy nie ook n man soos john mitchell sal n goeie hulp wees nie. sterkte aan die afrigter wie hy ook al mag wees ,hy sal dit baie nodig het.
Balata answered:
Hi, yes I do believe Heyneke is the right man to coach the team at the moment, and think he should have got the job four years ago. John Mitchell is a quality coach, but has made it clear he still needs to go a distance with his Lions team. I can see Mitch coaching international rugby again, just not right now.
rob asked:
Gert smal and allastair coetzee appear to be the first choice candidates. Why don''t we play for a couple of months with an interim coach until they are available?
Brenden answered:
Rob, Gert may have been the media candidate, but there hasnt been any official confirmation that he was first choice, neither for Allister. Gert as I understand it is happy in Ireland and earns some good money there, with his kids still in school there. Allister is unlikely to get released, especially when the Stormers have already lost Rassie. As to your suggestion, A Bok coach needs time to plan, and it would be a waste of an appointment and salary to appoint someone else for a few months.
Ruan asked:
Hi Brenden
In all likelyhood that Meyer is appointed Bok coach who would you like to see as support staff to Meyer and who would you select as Captain.
Thx
Brenden answered:
Thats a difficult one and knowing Heyneke well, I know he will look for innovation and the best people to surround himself with. I would think there would be a role for Brendan Venter, while if contracts dont prevent it, John McFarland and Bazil Carsils will also be on my list. Captain, sjoe, that's a difficult one, but if all are fit, then probably Juan or Schalk.
Heinrich van der Walt asked:
Hi Brendan,
With Heyneke''s appointment as bok coach almost a givin,my question is who will appoint the assistant coaches and when will that be done?Is it up to Meyer himself or will he sit down with the rugby bosses of SA rugby and decide or has it allready been decided in the interview?If it was last mentioned,do you have any idea who the frontrunners might be?
Thanks for keeping us updated.
Brenden answered:
Heinrich, my understanding is that once the appointment is made, SARU will sit down and discuss it with Heyneke. They will make suggestions, but his coaching staff is up to him. I have heard that the assistants may be appointed for specific tournaments/tours and not full time, which is an interesting look at things.
jeandre asked:
Het brenden who do you think will be meyers forward and backline coaches? There is a chance the likes of du preez and matfield will come back if meyer is selected do you think it will be a good call for the 2015 wc or should we get a young side that come the next wc these young guys will have enough experince to do the job?
Brenden answered:
Jeandre, Heyneke is very big on structure and talent. At the Bulls he identified players other provinces didnt want and turned them into Springboks (Pedrie Wannenburg is one, Sharks rejected him after one season) I think he will look for a good blend of youth and experience in the squad, while Fourie might play a role again in future. Victor is probably a sure bet as a lineout consultant. As for the ass coaches, check my answer above.
Straff asked:
Do you agree that Springbok rugby is heading for a renewed building phase? My opnion is that this is the right man for the job, however do you think he has enough time? I read recently that it would probably only be a 2 year contract, will have to wait and see.
Brenden answered:
Straff, in essence yes, but remember the All Blacks win 85 percent of their matches while building...so success is an important element by which the coach will be judged. At the moment dont expect massive changes, but a gradual introduction of young talent.
Pieter asked:
Brendan,
Will only the Bok Head Coach be announced tomorrow or will the coaching support staff (e.g. assistant coaches) also be named?
Regards
Pieter
Pieter answered:
Hi, yes, it seems so. We're not expecting any assistant coaches to be named.
doz asked:
I think the Bulls have pulled 1 up agnst SARU n hv actly spoilt the whole surprise! Anyway I thnk Meyer is the best choice 4 the job. A few ppl have said we will get 10 men rugby,bt I thnk thy 4gt the amount of tries the bulls scored in 07.. Heynecker mkes hs boys earn the right 2 go out wide hence habana was so good. Wat r u thots Brenden?
Brenden answered:
Doz, its a common misconception. Heyneke is a thinker, and often told us back in 2007 that it was about winning rugby nothing else. His teams scored the second most tries in 2007 in the league stages, and won 92-3 against the Reds. True his teams are build around a strong flyhalf and big pack, but isn't that the basis of most rugby teams. I expect a balanced approach.
Carl asked:
Hi brendan, do you think Rassie might be pulled into the coaching team after his unexpected resignation? He and meyer will make an a huge impact
Brenden answered:
Carl, I'm not sure, and the reports have been speculation. Heyneke did want Rassie as Super Rugby captain when Os and Naka went to the Bulls that one season, think it was 2002, but not sure what their relationship is right now. We'll have to wait and see.
Tommy asked:
Hi Brenden,
Relieved when PdV goes by huge concern if H Meyer is selected as Bok coach we will be time warped backwards into 10 man rugby which the bulls currently play which is incredibly boring. Keen to get your thoughts on this.
Brenden answered:
Tommy, dont quite agree. In 2007 when they won the Super Rugby competition, the Bulls scored 45 tries, second only to the Crusaders. In 2006, it was 41 tries, second in the competition and in 2005 36 tries, 3rd most in the competition. Meyer played 10 man rugby when necessary and did well with it. Just because others copied and couldnt get the same accuracy, doesnt mean it is wrong. I doubt he will fall back on the 10 man game only.
James asked:
What would you think would be an acceptable win percentage for HM the 1st year? Over 4 years?
Brenden answered:
Not sure about percentages, but a series win over England, and at least home wins in the Castle Rugby Championship, and perhaps an away win in Argentina.
David vH asked:
Hi Brendon
I agree with you completely that it would be wrong not to appoint Heyneke as the new bok coach, but on a serious note, what is the chance of that not happening?
I really do not want to be dissapointed again when they make the announcement tomorrow! I am npt a Bulls fan, but you cant help but face the fact that he is a magician.
Brenden answered:
David, you and me both. I reckon there are a lot more level-headed people at the meeting and less political interference tomorrow. So here's hoping.
Mike asked:
After coming second to Peter De Villiers last time around, how do you think Meyer will feel this time, clearly (again) the SARU second choice after Gert Small declined?
Brenden answered:
Mike, dont quite agree on that. A perception indeed, but as far as I know SARU were negotiating with both Heyneke and Gert all along.
Carl asked:
What is your opinion on the new sort of players that will be bred, should the new coach go the ''form'' route or the ''consistent'' route?
Brenden answered:
Carl, it is always a mixture of both. Heyneke wont be scared to blood youngsters - he did that with Derick Hougaard at 19 and wont be scared to try something new - he moved Spies from wing to no8 and Gary Botha from flank to hooker.
Justin asked:
Hey Brenden
Regarding the Appointment of the new Springbok Coach I wanted to knwo who would be the ideal Captain to lead the team forward in 2012?
Brenden answered:
I'd like to see how Pierre Spies copes with the captaincy at the Bulls and Bismarck at the Sharks at times, but favourite must be Schalk Burger at the moment.
Morne Du Bois asked:
Hi Brendon
Do you believe Hyneke is the correct guy and do you think that he is going to try and change our game plan a bit to suit the more fluent nature of the game or stay with what has worked for him in the past at the BULLS?
Thanks in advance
Brenden answered:
Morne, have a look above at my answer, but believe it is a misconception. Heyneke left the Bulls in 2007. They continued the game plan under Frans Ludeke. Not really his fault if he isnt there. Plus, that game plan is all about accuracy, and if you dont have that (like the Boks under PDV) then you're in trouble.
Max asked:
Since the appointment of heyneke meyer seems to be a given at this point, who are the likely support staff at this point and will we see the bulls brand of rugby as the SA brand of rugby or will we see a different approach
Brenden answered:
Max answered above.
Quinton asked:
Hi Brenden,
Everybody is bashing Heyneke Meyer and worrying about the fact that we will now have a coach that will play 10-man rugby. As far as I remember, the Bulls scored the most tries in the seasons when they won the Super Rugby titles. How is this playing 10 man rugby. I think if SARU decides to announce Heyneke as coach it would be a great plus for South Africa and a new golden era for Springbok Rugby. What do you think?
Quinton answered:
Good point, just made it earlier. Agree 100%
Andre asked:
Hi
The general feeling around Mr. Meyer is more than optimistic and I too love the sound of things like "the dream team". BUT two questions - it seems in the last four years the boks have mostly been coaching a rule unto themselves and are they going to take so much direction well? Do you think Paul Treu if appointed can spark some life into our backline as surely the attacking pattern is very different in 7s?
Brenden answered:
Andre, they will have to. Heyneke is a disciplinarian, but the players love him. As for Paul, dont think he will be there yet, he isn't quite ready for this job, needs a bit more 15s experience in my opinion.
Hermann asked:
It will be unrealistic to expect Heyneke Meyer to produce an 80%+ winning team from the word go. Robbie Deans made huge strides with the Wallabies and kept his post after their WC exit as did Graham Henry after their exit in 2007. It will be great to see SARU giving Heineke an extended run even if we do not win the next RWC. Heyneke Meyer is still young and given the time to produce I think we could have a good national coach for some time to come. Is this an unrealistic wish or will we have SARU sacking the coach win (Jake White) or loose (Pieter Div) following the next RWC?
Brenden answered:
Hermann, with Jurie Roux at the helm, things are a lot more level-headed nowadays at SARU. I think winning is a priority and it depends where and how you lose. Every team will lose sometime, and I think SARU understand that. But there is a time limit - i reckon two years, to see if the Boks are improving or not, and that will be how they see it.
Waldo asked:
Hi Brenden, legend surname by the way..
So its again the worst kept secret, it seems in all likely hood that Heyneke will get the job! And thats great news. Who do you think will be his assistants or better, who should be his assitants?
Thanks.
Brenden answered:
Waldo. Cheers mate. Answered this above so have a look there. recurring question it seems.
Nick vdh asked:
Hi Brendan
So with the hopeful appointment of Heyneke as coach tomorrow , who do you think will be made Captain of the Boks ?? Money would have to be on Schalk , but are there any others who you think would be captain material ??
Brenden answered:
Nick, Juan Smith, Pierre Spies (if he has a good run with the Bulls) are good bets as well. But Schalla is the favourite.
Pops K asked:
A coach needs a good support team to help him produce the right team. Who in yre opinion will or should Meyer have on his coaching team ?
Brenden answered:
Pops, he does inherit some people from SARU - doctor, physio etc as i understand it. But his assistants are key, have answered that above, but dont be surprised if there is an overseas name you havent heard of.
Michael asked:
I am very happy with the appointment of Meyer. But what I am wondering is who would be his assitances?
Brenden answered:
Michael see my answers above.
Gary asked:
Hi Brendon
I think the selection of Heyneke Meyer as coach is a brilliant one (I hope he is officially announced seeing what happened 4 yrs ago...). He''ll bring positive energy to the Bok side and I know he won''t be scared to stamp his own playing strategy on the bok team.
Questions, I have for you though.
1. Providing Heyneke is named Bok coach, who do you think he''ll select as his skipper?
2. Also, what''s your opinion on the rumour that Victor Matfield might return to the playing field if Heyneke is named new Bok coach?
Brenden answered:
Gary, answered the captaincy question, have a look above, as for vic, doubt it will happen, more likely as a coaching consultant.
Clint asked:
WRT team selection, is this for the coach''s final decision or is there an unwritten matter of ''representation'' that could pose problems in areas such as Hooker?
Brenden answered:
Clint, it is the coach's final decision (in consultation with selectors) but any coach who feels there isnt some pressure to transform the game is in the wrong country.
Sam asked:
What will the new coach do differently or are we just going to see the same old type of defencive rugby or are wegoing to see the young guns exploring themselves on the field
Brenden answered:
Sam, we'll have to wait for that answer, but I've always known Heyneke as an innovative thinker, so I'm sure we will see some different calls.
Nico Rothman asked:
Who do you think is Heyneke going to appoint as his assistant coaches? Do you think Rassie is going to play a role somewhere?
Brenden answered:
Nico, see my answer above.
Nyameko asked:
I''m wondering what value could Victor Matfield impart on the coach-in-waiting Meyer that Meyer is not aware of. In case I see this threat of coming back as a bit of hogwash since it would be treating the Boks as an old boy''s club.
Brenden answered:
Nyameko, to be honest Victor said that as a bit of a joke, don't think he was too serious.
Thabang asked:
Hi brenden
Do u think H meyer is the best candidate for the job n why? In my opinion he deploys the same philosophy as our previous coaches(PDV,Jwhite).don,t we someone with new ideas?whats your take?
Brenden answered:
Thabang, I do. Heyneke is a thinker, someone who has meticulous planning skills and who is always looking to advance the game. He wouldnt have been so successful if he wasn't an innovater. Ask rather who copied who, and you'll see it was the other way around.
Tumelo asked:
Who do you think will be Meyer''s loose trio and what type of rugby must we expect from him?
Brenden answered:
Tumelo, sjoe, I dont have a crystal ball, but at the moment would probably say it would be out of Spies, Alberts, Brussow, Burger and Juan Smith. Super Rugby has a funny way though of popping out other names.
louis asked:
hi brendan
have you got more news on why Rassie did not apply -but then again i think HM is the best guy for the job at this stage
Brenden answered:
Nope, think you need to ask my colleague Gavin Rich about Rassie, as he has an inside take from the Cape.
Christo asked:
Hi Brenden,
Do you recon the Bulls will end above the Lions in the Super 15? And fav probably remain Stomers and Sharks? Cant wait for the season to kick off, want to see what the Lions are really made of in an international comp. Cheers
Brenden answered:
Christo, the Lions should be better this year, especially with the confidence they have, but they still dont have superstars, and that could count against them in crunch games. As for the Bulls, they have talent, but not experience, so dont expect to see them challenging for honours this year.
Wes asked:
What sort of game do you think we''ll play under Meyer if he''s made coach? Has he not been out of the trenches for a bit too long?
Brenden answered:
Wes, did you watch Tuks play in last year's Varsity Cup - Heyneke was a massive part of that team's preparation, so no he hasnt been out for too long. As for the game plan, we will have to wait and see.
Christo asked:
Hi Brenden,
Just wondering... Why they are not broadcasting tomorrows game? Dying to see some rugby!!!
Brenden answered:
Christo, I was under the impression they were, will have to check and get back to you.
Dawie Fourie asked:
Hi Heyneke. Firstly Congratulation with your well deserved appointment as National Coach.
Statement: During your time as Blue Bulls Coach you achieved success in my opinion because of your pristine knowledge of Rugby and Players abilities, but also because of that had resistance from senior management when it came to selections. You are known as an individual following his own mind against all odds and still win the game.
My question to Heyneke:
1. Obviously will Saru be involved with the team selection, But – Will you please stand up for the Exceptional Players and not just because Quota Players. Will it be possible for you to rule out politics when it comes to decisions?
2. Will you also look at players abroad like Derick Hougaard with accuracy and REAL Tactical kicks.
Closing Statement: We support you 100%
Thank You
Dawie Fourie
Brenden answered:
Dawie, unfortunately i cant answer for Heyneke, but I am sure he will answer those questions in the coming weeks.
Andy asked:
Do you think Meyer has what it takes to adapt the Springbok defunct game plan of kicking the ball away all the time? Seems its very much a bulls template that worked for a long while, but over the last 2 years in particular became very outdated and the bokke could not adapt under PDivvy.
Brenden answered:
Andy, as mentioned above, that game plan worked because of the accuracy of the kicking and the follow up. Under the coaching of the last two years there wasnt that kicking or accuracy in the follow up. I am sure Heyneke wont make the same mistake.
ANDREW asked:
Should Heyneke be announced as the new bok coach, who will most likely be his assistant coaches
Brenden answered:
Andrew, see above.
Kevin asked:
Brendan given the intense speculation around Heyneke Meyer is he the best candidate in world rugby as a coach that we could appoint? If not who would be your first choice if u could choose anyone to take the Springboks to the top of world rugby and stay there.
Brenden answered:
Kevin, very happy with Heyneke as coach, have worked with him since 1997 and know him well. A good coach who can do the Boks proud.
Albert van Zyl asked:
Do you think that if heynecke get the job, which is most likely, will the boks move away from their old kick and chase gameplan which hasnt served the boks well at all the last couple of seasons. is heynecke the man to transform the boks? Will the boks once again attack and score the tries we all want to see, because we have the players
Brenden answered:
Albert, see this is a recurring theme as well. Have a look at some of my answers above, but yes, I believe he will still play to our strengths but not single-mindedly as other coaches have.
Tertius asked:
Hi Brendan. Heineke''s record at the Bulls speaks for itself and nobody in SA has that track record of success at provincial level. Looking at the game plan he developed and playing pattern that involved at the Bulls, I am worried that it is too one-dimensional for International tests. Can he divert off that path?
Brenden answered:
Tertius the answer is yes. Have a look at my answers above.
Chris asked:
Hi Brenden
I am fed up with the SARU approach to Rugby, in that we only seem to worry about the World Cup and spend the other three years going through peaks and troughs of performance.
Do you think that this trend is likely to continue under Heyneke, or will we start to see a more balanced approach where we concentrate on winning every game against every opponent and ensure that we can get our win ratio back in our favour against the Wallabies and All Blacks?
Brenden answered:
Chris, I expect a much more balanced approach with the new coach.