Heyneke's approval rating high(CLICK TITLE ABOVE TO REPLY)Blast furnace, smelter, incinerator, hot seat – whatever analogy you choose the temperature has just gone up for Heyneke Meyer.
He had to wait four years to get what he describes as the job of his dreams and he took over in much the same way he would have had the job come his way, as SARU president Oregan Hoskins then conceded it should have, in 2008.
Clearly nervous but calm, attentive, sincere and measured – none of the sartorial gaffes, eccentric comments and controversial assessments that marked the beginning of his predecessor Peter de Villiers’ tenure.
Meyer said the right things – that he would be talking to players, other coaches and enlist the help of experts; that the team was more important than the individual; that while his aim was for the Springboks to play winning rugby that did not entail a set pattern; that he would aim for consistent dominance rather than a four-year plan to win the World Cup.
One sensed an air of relief among SARU officials as Meyer picked his way through the landmines of his first press conference but he was left in no doubt as to the perils he faces.
A prickly press statement by the Blue Bulls, his rugby heartland, would have taken him by surprise and indicated the hostility from the provinces the national coach too often has to deal with.
The opening questions in his maiden presser tended to focus on transformation rather than the rugby specifics his All Black counterpart Steve Hansen, also new in the role, would have faced when he succeeded Graham Henry just over a month ago.
However Meyer has been in coaching for long enough to know about the demanding and unforgiving expectations of local fans, interference from administrators, constant scrutiny from government and employers who have an appalling record when it comes to exploiting human capital.
Not a single coach, in spite of the fact that they are paid substantial salaries, in or before the professional era has left SARU on good terms.
Think of De Villiers what you will but it surely cannot be right that he wasn’t afforded the courtesy of an exit interview until two weeks ago – if it was that.
Jake White was not on speaking terms with officials when he departed and in spite of his having won the World Cup his knowledge and experience was allowed to simply walk out the door.
Rudolf Straeuli departed without so much as a backward glance amid a cleanout that included president Silas Nkanunu and CEO Rian Oberholzer while Harry Viljoen broke down under the pressure and couldn’t wait to get out.
Even a strong character such as Nick Mallett found the internecine squabbling too much to bear and ahead of him none of Carel du Plessis, Andre Markgraaff, Kitch Christie, Ian McIntosh (other than as a selector), Gerrie Sonnekus (who never actually took up the post) and John Williams had any direct input once they departed.
It does not say much for one’s job prospects. Meyer is the latest to accept the veritable poisoned chalice and before he sups from it one can but say a heartfelt “good luck mate, you will need it.”
The upside is that he takes over at an exciting time. With so many stalwarts having left he has been handed a virgin canvas to turn into a masterpiece – new captain, many new players and perhaps a new way of playing.
It’s a job that requires vision, planning, organisation and good man management and for once SARU may have ended up with someone who is universally accepted as the best man for the job.
*This column first appeared in the Sunday Times
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