Happy Heyneke Video Goes Viral as SA Coach Praises Boks (& Wants to Kiss Fourie)

The video showing Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer’s reaction to the final whistle has gone viral. Meyer, who was criticised so heavily after the Japan loss at the start of the Rugby World Cup (RWC), was thrilled as South Africa booked its place in the semi-finals next Saturday. So thrilled he said afterwards “I actually wanted to kiss Fourie”.

Fourie du Preez scored the winning try in the 76th minute (see video at the bottom of this page) after a finely-executed move from the back of an attacking scrum (which he and Duane Vermeulen had planned the week before).

The Boks’ other 18 points came via the boot of Handré Pollard, who kicked five penalty goals and a drop goal.

The Heyneke Manoeuvre! Watch Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer react to final whistle of SA vs Wales

“We’re still in the competition and I want to thank all our supporters here and back home for their unbelievable support,” said Meyer.

South African fans around the world – from Chile to California – supported the Boks throughout the match.

“This was a proper knock-out match and it could have gone either way against a quality Welsh side, but our players stuck it out and showed character and determination when we needed it most.

“I always knew it was going to go right to the wire. The try Fourie scored to clinch it was something they worked on all week and I’m just glad we pulled it off.

“I actually wanted to kiss Fourie.

“I have always said coaching is overrated. You have to pick players with character and who perform under pressure. The experienced players, both in the starting team and on the bench made a huge difference, but I also want to take my hat off to the youngsters.”

Du Preez said the Boks thought they had a chance to clinch the game around the hour mark, although Wales were still ahead by 19-18 shortly thereafter when Wales’ Dan Biggar slotted his third penalty goal.

“We could see a few of their guys lying down and I thought we have a lot of gas left, so I said to the guys we just have to keep going,” said Du Preez.

“It was a tough game and they worked hard during the match. We had to keep pushing and pushing. I thought the guys dug in and produced the goods.”

Watch Video: Fourie du Preez’ try in the RWC2015

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyjNnK9RWqI

Watch the Protea cricket team react to the try from Fourie du Preez.