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Meyer: Boks will have to adapt to ref

Meyer: Boks will have to adapt to ref

South Africa Head Coach Heyneke Meyer believes that having a northern hemisphere referee for the clash between the Springboks and Wales will be a disadvantage.

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The performance of Irish referee George Clancy in Saturday’s match between South Africa and the World XV at Newlands has served as a wake-up call for Meyer’s squad.

Meyer believes that the Boks would have to adapt to the way that referees from the northern hemisphere policed breakdown play.

Meyer said: “When you play against northern hemisphere opponents with northern hemisphere referees it is different.”

According to head coach Meyer, his Springboks are more familiar with the style of southern hemisphere refs, who traditionally allow players less time over the ball that creates quicker breakdowns.

The Springbok’s head coach said: “Most of the players have been playing in the southern hemisphere where the referees place a lot of emphasis on the game being quick and endeavour to facilitate the ball coming back quickly from the breakdown.

“We thrive on quick ball and we are a great attacking team when we do get quick ball but we were unable to get that in last week’s game and that was a bit of a wake-up call for us.”

On June 14 South Africa will play Wales in Durban with French referee Romain Poite. Meyer believes the Welsh will be tough opponents regardless of the referee.

Meyer said: “Wales will be well prepared. They are a quality side with the big backs which will give them go forward ball. They also played together in the six nations, while we are just starting out.”

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