Heyneke Meyer insists England are close and will improve after defeat
Sunday 16 November 2014 14:18, UK
South Africa head coach Heyneke Meyer offered words of consolation to opposite number Stuart Lancaster following his side's 31-28 victory over England at Twickenham.
The Springboks are unbeaten in 12 matches against England, who are in the middle of their worst run since 2006 after losing five straight games with clashes against Samoa and Australia to come this month.
But Meyer said: "They're a quality side and they will be better for this. The last three games we've played them, one was a draw, one was a win by one point and this (win) by three points.
"It's just a matter of time. They need some luck and when the luck comes you get confidence. You need luck, sometimes you make your own luck and then you get momentum."
Meyer took the positives from a performance that never hit the heights but ensured it is now eight years since England last beat South Africa.
"Sometimes you have to have a game like this where you do the basics right, grind out a win," he added.
"That's Test match rugby and, for me, that's World Cup-winning rugby. There's going to be three knockout games and sometimes you have to play like this.
"I'm really happy that we almost took a step back but in a sense three steps forward because we adapted to the conditions and to our game plan."
Fly-half Pat Lambie, whose nerveless late drop-goal meant England needed more than a converted try to prevail, has now led the Springboks to a win at Twickenham three times.
"Pat's always played well for us end of year, specifically in this weather," Meyer said.
"I think we've won every single game he's played here. He's a very level-headed guy and took the right options, especially the drop-goal.
"He's got a calm influence on the team, although he's only 24. It was the right type of game for him - wet, difficult conditions, under pressure and he showed he's a match-winner."
Tighthead prop Jannie du Plessis is likely to miss next week's Test with Italy due to hamstring and knee problems and could also miss the Wales Test.
