Saturday 24 October 2015 21:36, UK
South Africa head coach Heyneke Meyer refused to discus his future with the Springboks after their 20-18 defeat to New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup semi-final.
Tries by flanker Jerome Kaino and substitute back Beauden Barrett proved enough to book the All Blacks a Twickenham return next Saturday against Argentina or Australia.
Handre Pollard slotted five penalties with Patrick Lambie posting another late strike but the All Blacks still edged home, Dan Carter landing a drop-goal among 10 points with the boot condoning the Springboks to semi-final heartbreak.
Meyer admitted contesting the World Cup's third-place play-off was no consolation to his South Africa team.
"The third-place play-off doesn't mean anything, it's like kissing your sister. I don't want to think about loser talk," he said.
When quizzed about his future as the Springboks head coach and whether he had been offered a new contract Meyer told journalists "you'll have to ask SA Rugby."
Refusing to discuss his future, Meyer said: "Can't you see how grey I am?
"I've just said I'm here to serve and whatever it takes. I really believe I can do it. I'm always there to serve.
"I wanted to make the country proud and we weren't quite able to do it.
"I really believe this team can go places. I think this can be one of the best teams in the world going forward.
"But you have to take tonight on the chin. I gave it everything I've got, it wasn't good enough.I take it personally.
"It's been a huge honour, I'll always serve my country that's how I've seen it from the start. And I'll take it day by day from here.
"I'm very proud: I don't think a lot of people gave us any chance after defeat to Japan.
"We've grown as a team and the youngsters really matured.
"Only a win is good enough, I don't believe in loser talk. Coming close and not winning will never be good enough for me.
"We had a chance today, we should have taken it and we should be in the final.
"I'm proud of the guys today, but I'll never be happy with second-best."
One man who didn't expect to be representing his country at another World Cup was flanker Schalk Burger.
Bacterial meningitis nearly cost the gritty Springboks flanker his life two years ago.
Despite the pain of defeat the 32-year-old vowed to find future comforts in his ability to fight back into the sport.
"Two years ago, it wasn't really possible for me to play in a semi," said Burger.
"But the last 18 months I've been playing really nicely so it's really nice to be in a semi-final.
"It's painful tonight but one day when I'm older, I'll be able to reflect and say it was an amazing comeback.
"I'd just want to say a big thanks to our Springboks team, some times in life you just don't win."
Meyer backed South Africa's fast-improving young stars Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende and locks Eben Etzebeth and Lood de Jager to be world titans in four years' time.
"A lot of these guys will be the Carters of tomorrow, and they will be the world-beaters of the future," said Meyer.
"Very very proud, but I think those guys will go on to be some of the best players ever to play the game - and that makes me very proud."
