Heyneke Meyer’s time had passed for Springboks – enter Alastair Coetzee? | Robert Kitson

Heyneke Meyer was a decent and tenacious coach who could not quite deliver enough success for South Africa, but Alastair Coetzee is well placed to build on the foundationsIf international coaches were judged on passion for their country rather than actual results, Heyneke Meyer would rank alongside anyone in rugby union’s history. Never has a badge been gripped so tightly at anthem time. The 48-year-old “lived” each game as if his life depended on it. When the Springboks won it was all worthwhile; when they lost it was painful to behold.Sadly, it was those gut-twisting losses that Meyer could …