Meyer predicts success for Hougaard
6 Oct 2008
Leicester Tigers coach Heyneke Meyer predicted that Derrick Hougaard’s ability to play a tactical game will ensure he thrives in the Premiership.
The former Bulls flyhalf, who scored 14 of Leicester’s 19 points in a win over Bath at the weekend, is at his best in a team that has a very structured approach and Meyer believes that conditions in the northern hemisphere dictate this approach. This, he said, would make Hougaard a valuable asset to his side.
“It’s great to have a guy who is used to playing tactically and we used our chances better in the game,” Meyer said.
“You need a very good No.10 in these competitions and Derrick is a good tactical player who can turn a game around.
“He will be one of the best players in the Premiership, especially as he learns to play in different conditions. He’s got a lot to offer.”
A shoulder injury kept Hougaard out of the early season matches but he made an impressive start against Bath in the EDF Energy Cup on Saturday, sinking what proved to be the match-winning drop-goal.
“The game didn’t start very well for me, but I got into the groove,” Hougaard said of his debut for the Tigers – the first team other than the Bulls he played for since making his first class debut as a 19-year-old in 2002.
“I didn’t panic, just tried to keep myself focused. With a slight lead and wind advantage for the second half we knew we were in a good position.”
“Actually, I was looking at the wrong clock and I thought there was only couple of minutes left,” he admitted.
17 Comments
6 Oct 2008, 08:41 am
Hougaard is drakerig
6 Oct 2008, 08:42 am
Liefling Dragon!!
6 Oct 2008, 08:43 am
# Ek sê my sê, ek sê: Dammit… hehe
6 Oct 2008, 08:51 am
Why dont we rather hear about what Chester Williams is doing these days?
6 Oct 2008, 08:54 am
#4 ruggaluvva: the Namibian, Sharks & Wallaby supporter: Hehe…What is he doing??
6 Oct 2008, 09:05 am
I say all the best to Hougaard. He was not good enough for the Boks but he will be damn good over there. So good on him in going to play over there. He will feel right at home with Meyer being the coach too.
6 Oct 2008, 09:26 am
#4 ruggaluvva: the Namibian, Sharks & Wallaby supporter: I agree, it isn’t as if liefling hasn’t had enough opportunities to shine! Perhaps the N hemisphere conditions will suit his playing style – good for him, but we all know that unless Meyer becomes bok coach, Leifling will never be good enough for the boks – he just cannot play under anyone else for some reason.
6 Oct 2008, 09:41 am
I quite rated old Hougaard. But alas, he just never came into his own in SA.
So best of luck to him, NH rugby definately suits his strenghts.
6 Oct 2008, 10:34 am
Bly om te sien hy doen goed daar.
6 Oct 2008, 10:40 am
#5 THE MAULER:
I bet even keo and his minions dont know, their too busy trying to find out how many sugars Heyneke put in his tea this morning and whether or not all the dirt on Hougaard’s boot came from the pitch at Bath.
6 Oct 2008, 11:19 am
too one dimentional..went the way of Louis Koen…
6 Oct 2008, 11:34 am
It’s a pitty The Meyer of Pretoria didn’t get the Bok coach job…. I don’t know if the ELV’s would’ve suited his coaching style in the South Afican infiroment and I gues no one will ever know now. I think if he does well at the Tigers in the next few years, he’ll be inline for the England job.
6 Oct 2008, 12:33 pm
#10 ruggaluvva: the Namibian, Sharks & Wallaby supporter: What is he doing then?
6 Oct 2008, 12:51 pm
#12 Charlie Naude: infiroment??? Good on Liefling!
6 Oct 2008, 13:17 pm
#12 Charlie Naude: As if the EVL suits Helium de Villiers’s coaching style with 2 losses at home?
6 Oct 2008, 13:39 pm
Afternoon all…
Rumours overs here is that Johan Muller is on his way to the Tigers after the Currie Cup . Is this a load of bull?
6 Oct 2008, 14:33 pm
The Tigers was looking for a lock. Johan Muller is a lock, so it is possible
Have your say
You must be logged in to post a comment.