Embattled Springbok coach Jake White on Thursday met with the president of SA Rugby Regan Hoskins, rugby experts, selectors and ex-coaches to discuss issues in South African rugby that will ensure the consistent success of the Springboks.
The meeting comes in the wake of a five-game losing streak for the Springboks. If the Boks lose on Saturday to the All Blacks and to the Wallabies the following weekend they will equal the unenviable record of the 1964/5 SA team that lost seven on the trot.
Present at the meeting were Hoskins, MD Johan Prinsloo, selectors Peter Jooste and Ian McIntosh, White, Nick Mallet, Harry Viljoen, Peter de Villiers, Eric Sauls, Carel du Plessis, Rudolph Straeuli and Naas Botha.
SA Rugby said that all the participants expressed satisfaction with the tone and progress of the meeting and pronounced it a ”constructive gathering that will help break new ground for the game”.
Hoskins said the discussions were open and constructive.
”We were frank about issues regarding rugby in general. I am confident that we are well on our way to improving the game. The group of experts gathered today [Thursday] gave invaluable input on what needs to be done to improve the situation in our game.
”The spirit around the table was very encouraging. It shows that our problems can be solved if we continue to share ideas.”
Hoskins added that the details of the discussion were confidential and that another meeting will be held in due course to assess progress. — Sapa