Rugby
No panic stations for the Boks yet─── 09:37 Mon, 20 Jul 2015
The Springboks are back in South Africa and will begin their preparations for this weekend’s test against the All Blacks in Johannesburg.
The sides’ disappointing 24-20 last minute loss to the Wallabies in Brisbane on Saturday has left questions regarding the teams’ first, and coach Heyneke Meyer conceded that the men in green-and-gold aren’t quite there yet.
Meyer added that despite their loss they will take the positives out of the Test against Australia.
He added that it’s not panic stations yet regarding the sides World Cup preparations.
"I believe there are a lot of positives. The game could have gone either way, and it was an unbelievable performance by a lot of youngsters.
"It was Jesse’s first test against a very good midfield combination. He was brilliant, as was Damian.
"There are a lot of positives out of the game, defensively we were very good.
"I was worried about our first phase defence against a very good backline, and they really tested us and our defence was good. We kept them out until the end.
"There are a lot of positives that we can work on, and the World Cup is on neutral ground, that makes a difference as well.
"I believe we are on the right track, we will see when the World Cup comes along.
This morning team doctor Craig Roberts will hold a press conference in Johannesburg and will shed light on captain Victor Matfield, Marcell Coetzee and Jannie du Plessis.
Matfield has a hamstring niggle and could be ruled out for a week or two. This leaves Meyer with extra headache of appointing a new captain, or does his draft Jean de Villiers back into the squad?
There is a strong possibility that Schalk Burger can take over the captains' duties should Matfield be ruled out.
Morgan Piek / OFM News
Coach Heyneke Meyer believes the boys on track for the World Cup:
