Springboks could challenge NZ - Meyer

Springboks coach Heyneke Meyer is eyeing up the 2015 World Cup, and says his team has the ability to adapt their game.

South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer

South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer says his side will be serious contenders at the next World Cup. (AAP)

South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer believes his side's victory over Wales proved they will be serious contenders at the next World Cup.

The Springboks registered their 25th victory over Wales at the Millennium Stadium, triumphing 24-15 and by three tries to nil as captain Jean de Villiers, Bismarck du Plessis and Fourie du Preez all crossed.

The recent Rugby Championship suggested Meyer's men are the only side who currently look capable of challenging world champions New Zealand, having pushed the All Blacks all the way in the recent title decider.

Meyer's side have added a cutting edge in attack to their typical physical, direct approach and he feels the ability to adapt their game to different conditions will be a real asset when England host the 2015 World Cup in two years time.

"This was a totally different game. It's not like playing in the Rugby Championship. You cannot play off scrums, you don't get any quick ball," he said.

"We are starting to adapt, we knew this would be physical and we know they are a quality side as they showed in the Lions series where most of their players were involved."

Meyer said he expected a "totally different challenge", and that they had to be tactically astute.

"We know we can't play just one brand of rugby, it is no use winning games in the Rugby Championship and scoring four tries against the All Blacks then suddenly, when under pressure, not be able to play a different style.

"We know the World Cup will be in these conditions so we always have that in the back of our minds and we have shown a balance we can score tries but we can also out-muscle teams."

The Springboks now move on to face Scotland at Murrayfield next weekend, before a meeting with France in Paris.


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Source: AAP


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