Heyneke Meyer – Skunk of SA Rugby?

I write this post today, 30 October 2015 before this evening’s play-off with Argentina. The reason is that irrespective of the outcome of this game, my opinion expressed in this post will not change.

Let us be honest and frank, Meyer got a raw deal from the supporters of rugby, those who do not support rugby, politicians, the Media and those who know nothing about rugby (politicians and Media) but tried to capitalize on some misfortunes of the Boks, like Cosatu Western Cape and De Villiers the previous Bok coach whose term as coach was a disaster!

Typical South African style, efforts were made to mix rugby with politics and racism. Remember the uproar  after the game where we lost against Argentina earlier this year? Where Cosatu Western Cape tried to make the political issue that 5 black players complained against Meyer for racism and not giving them ample play time? It was just a storm in a tea cup but Cosatu never have proven their allegations. Cowards?

Then the first game against Japan at RWC 2015? Where everyone wanted to crucify Meyer and wanted his blood? And then suddenly when the Boks advanced to the semi’s? The politicians and Cosatu’s big mouths were quiet.

This is rugby and if you do not understand it, shut up!!!  At the end of the day the All Blacks were just that little bit more lucky than the Boks – it did not mean the Boks were pathetic and Meyer useless. Shit happens! But remember what Hansen jokingly said in the week building up to the semi-final that he was glad that he did not need to choose a team on representativeness, only on merit! That is the joke of South Africa, merit is gone, only AA, BEE and representation! A farce!

Now, after the semi we lost, the clevers now say Meyer must go! Kak, man kak! Some even say we must now get a coach from outside SA. Kak man, kak! Which international coach will want to coach a team where he must work on AA, BEE and representation? Only a fool! And then he has to contend with political and labour interference? Kak man kak!!

But, whatever the politicians will do with rugby, Meyer is not the skunk of SA Rugby. He did his best and if I were him, I would show them the middle finger and go coaching abroad.

Well done Meyer!

Did South Africa Really Win the 1995 Rugby World Cup?

Who does not remember the euphoria that prevailed in South Africa just after the full-time whistle blew after Joel Stransky’s drop attempt was successful, giving South Africa the victory in its first Rugby World Cup? And this euphoria took possession of the entire South Africa for many days, even weeks after this historic win. 

Even I thought that yes, maybe we did have some real unity in this country of us, also the country of all the white South Africans.

But not long after the euphoria worn off and the ANC started showing its true colors and Mandela was side-lined, the so-called unity went down the drain.

Since then, the country went down the hill with Zuma in the driving seat. Although the decay was in all spheres, it was corruption and bribery that stood out and everything and anything in South Africa had (has) a price from a murder docket to vanish to a mere parking infringement to disappear for the right price.

And then came the recent 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup scandal and the entire ANC government is denying any involvement like nobody’s business - as usual!

That is why I wonder, did we really win the 1995 Rugby World Cup? Or was it bought?

I ask this based only on the following:

* The World Cup was the first major sporting event to take place in South Africa following the end of apartheid. It was also the first World Cup in which South Africa was allowed to compete; the International Rugby Football Board (IRFB, now World Rugby) had only readmitted South Africa to international rugby in 1992, following negotiations to end apartheid. The Rugby World Cup host nation is selected by the International Rugby Board (IRB) at a special meeting six years in advance of the tournament. The choice of host nation is a highly anticipated event. If South Africa was only readmitted to international rugby in 1992, how could we be awarded host nation if the host nation is selected six years in advance? This means that another country was awarded the host but had to stand down to make provision for South Africa? At what price?

* Taking into consideration that South Africa only re-entered the international rugby scene in 1992, the Springboks were struggling against England, Australia and New Zeeland prior to 1995 but when the World Cup came, suddenly we cruised past everyone to the final. Then the final, Suddenly the All Black camp suffered from a stomach bug, could not function well! Believe this and you would also believe that Zuma loves the whites! Remember, days, weeks in the build up to the World Cup it was suggested in the media around the world that should South Africa win the event, it would do wonders for reconciliation and unity!

* Ifthere are now allegations that there were bribes to secure the 2010 FIFA Soccer Cup to be hosted by South Africa, could this also not be true of the 1995 Rugby World Cup? And maybe, just maybe South Africa did not do more than enough to also ensure a win in 2010? But here people in charge realized that it would be too much to be asked to pathetic Bafana Bafana to win!

Just asking!!

Daniel