One more chance for Meyer: iLIVE

23 November 2012 - 02:07 By Rob Haswell, Pietermaritzburg
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Given that Heyneke Meyer's tenure as Bok coach commenced with three Tests against England and, subsequent to that, he has been at the helm for eight Tests, tomorrow's return game at Twickenham will be his true acid test.

In June, Meyer could fall back on the excuse that he inherited a young, inexperienced and captainless team. But, apart from the five-try win against the Wallabies at Loftus, Meyer's team has stuttered and stumbled along - they are even unconvincing in victory.

Now that the Boks will be facing England, who know what is coming, there can be no excuses for another inept display. If Pat Lambie and Juan de Jongh - as well as Elton Jantjies, if he is given time - were to cast off the coach's straitjacket, the Boks could score more tries and win convincingly.

But that is wishful thinking. Given that England use their backline, they are more likely to prevail. If that happens, a new coach is needed.

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