Meyer to ring happy hour bell?
Meyer and Hansen may be in charge of two of the world's fiercest rivals but have formed a strong friendship since the South African became Springbok coach in 2012.
"We've started a tradition where the first time I'd lost to them [New Zealand], Steve came over and brought me a beer to say he knows the pressure on me and to have a beer with him -I think that's great about rugby.
"He said 'listen, I know how you feel, I know the pressure on you, just have a beer with me'. And I really respect that. We'd lost that game, the second game we played away was very close and we lost that game as well, and he came looking for me with another beer afterwards.
"We know we are under the same pressure, we are proud countries. I have got to know his family, he has got to know mine. I don't usually meet with coaches before games but I think there is so much respect. The winning coach always brings the beer now.
"I said the first time we beat you I will bring you a case of beer, and I really respect Steve. He took it like a man and when we beat them [at Ellis Park in 2014] he came to me and said he was waiting for his beer.
"Hopefully, I can give Steve a case of beers on Saturday!
"What is great nowadays is that we learn from each other, we want to improve as coaches, and although there is a huge amount of competition and no inch given on the field. You would think that I would sit here and bad-mouth them and try to get into their heads, but you won't see that.
"A guy like Richie McCaw was the first to congratulate and feel for Jean [De Villiers] when he retired, and I think that is great between the two countries and great for the game," said Meyer, seeking just his second win in eight matches against Hansen's New Zealand.
Meyer, 48, is one of the most visibly emotional coaches in world rugby, seeming to 'live' every missed tackle or chance with his side.
"If I did that I'd probably have a heart attack. I don't know how he hasn't had one," joked the 56-year-old Hansen.
Another tradition shared between the coaches – where they share a meal before their troops do battle – may have to be put on hold due to London's notorious traffic problems.
AFP
