by Our Sports Desk

THE Springboks squad threw their weight yesterday behind Heyneke Meyer’s bid to continue as South Africa coach after the World Cup.

Meyer has branded himself a “total nutter” in wanting to extend his tenure as Springboks head coach, but the former Blue Bulls boss may yet relinquish his position.

The 48-year-old could assume a youth development role in the Springboks set-up, but number eight Duane Vermeulen backed him to retain South Africa’s top job.

South Africa will battle out the third-place play-off with Argentina tonight before officials plot their long build-up to the 2019 World Cup.

“We would love to see him stay, but you never know what’s going on in his head,” Vermeulen said.

“It’s all up to him, but if it doesn’t happen then hopefully he’ll still be available where he can teach the younger guys coming through.

“And hopefully we can keep that production line coming through.

“I think it would be amazing if he could stay on, but it’s all up to him.”

Meyer’s unbridled passion and candid leadership has caught the attention of his Springboks.

The fiercely honest South Africa boss rallies his troops through an endless stream of personal life lessons.

Toulon-bound back-rower Vermeulen hailed Meyer as one of the most inspirational coaches he has worked with.

“For Afrikaans guys we’ve got a different way of approaching things,” said Vermeulen. “He’s a guy who really motivates you in the way he presents himself, the way he speaks to you.

“He always captivates you with one or two stories that he tells — and that’s not stories out of a book, it’s life experience.

“And you can learn a lot from a guy who has gone through those life experiences. It’s been an amazing four years working with him and being a part of what we’ve been trying to do.

“I’d love to go on with him, he’s definitely a guy that I’ve learned a hell of a lot from and hopefully I can still do that.”

Victor Matfield will captain South Africa against the Pumas at the Olympic Stadium, in his 127th and last Test before retiring for the second and definitely final time.

Matfield dragged himself out of his dotage two years ago to bolster this World Cup bid, but at 38 will not now continue past the competition.

Vermeulen said Matfield’s legacy will reverberate around Springbok rugby for years to come.

“To still be playing at his age is amazing, but it’s not just to be playing, it’s to be running in front with the fitness, that’s a big motivator for each guy, to try to keep up!”