Steve Hansen understands the sentiments behind Heyneke Meyer's emotional reactions.

Springboks coach Meyer was captured by video cameras in another outburst after Fourie du Preez's 74th minute try against Wales sent the Boks on a collision course with the All Blacks in the World Cup semifinal at Twickenham on Sunday (NZ time).

Meyer repeatedly screamed with relief. He threw his hand to the heavens and eventually rested his head on a colleague's shoulder, emphasising the outpouring of emotion.

All Blacks beat France: Your man of the match Share your stories, photos and videos. Contribute

READ MORE:

* Injuries and tactics bog Boks

* Scottish greats roast ref Craig Joubert

* Wallabies win thriller vs Scotland

* Southern hemisphere completes sweep

* No Pocock? Then no Webb Ellis

His response was nothing new. Meyer stands pitch side to sing the South African anthem and yells messages down the team microphone throughout each and every match.

You won't ever see All Blacks coach Hansen react in the same way. Publicly at least he's much more subdued. But, knowing Meyer well, Hansen empathises with his task, which is undoubtedly one of the toughest in world rugby.

PHIL WALTER/GETTY IMAGES All Blacks coach Steve Hansen and his Springboks rival Heyneke Meyer, left, often share a brew and meal ahead of a test match between their two sides but London's notorious traffic means the tradition will be put on hold this week.

"If I did that I'd probably have a heart attack," Hansen joked. "I don't know how he hasn't had one. That's just how he is. He wears his emotion on his sleeve and I think it's great. You've got to be who you are. He does that.

"I might have got a little excited when we scored just before half time [against France]. I jumped out of my seat and that doesn't happen too often but I thought it was an important try.

"There is a lot of emotion that goes on in the coaching box and unless you're sitting there or been there yourself you'll never really understand it. Whilst we laugh at Heyneke, he's under immense pressure.

"The rules for his selection are totally different to any other country on the planet. There's a quota they have and that makes it difficult so good luck to him. He should celebrate everything. He's a good man and I look forward to seeing him."

RUGBY WORLD CUP ZONE:

* RWC 2015 Match Centre

* Tournament history

* Best RWC moments

* RWC team profiles

* All Blacks squad

* RWC Fantasy league

* Printable wallchart

Hansen and Meyer's relationship highlights the mutual respect that exists between the two great rugby nations. Fierce competitors on the field, friends off it.

After the Boks' shock loss to Japan, Hansen sent Meyer a supportive text as the fallout reached unprecedented levels.

The pair normally share a quiet brew, dinner and swap yarns in the lead up to a test; the home coach hosting the other at their house.



BACK THE ALL BLACKS: Join NZ's biggest Mexican Wave

This week, though, London's traffic put paid to that unique tradition.

"We won't be able to go for a meal," Hansen said. "To get around London, it's a nightmare. I don't think there's a train that runs from where we are to where he is but nothing else will change.

"When you play teams you know really well and you've got a good relationship it brings a little bit more to it. It's like playing your brother or your sister and you don't want to lose, particularly if you're the younger sibling. We really enjoy their company. They play hard on the track but they're good men off it.

"Heyneke drives that. He's the leader of their ship and I've got a lot of respect for him but we won't have the opportunity to go for a braai or a meal because of the travel."