Former Springbok captain Corné Krige has slammed the South African Rugby Union’s (Saru) part in the contractual issue surrounding Springbok coach Peter de Villiers.
De Villiers is still in limbo regarding his contract as Springbok coach, and will only sign it after a controversial clause on selection is removed — something that probably won’t be possible at Saru’s annual general meeting at the end of the month because of the requirement that notice of 20 days must be given for a change to the constitution.
The altered clause would give De Villiers the right to take responsibility to select his own teams and not be held to account by selectors.
Krige, writing in his Losgemaal (Ruck ‘n Maul) column in Afrikaans Sunday paper Sondag, said it was ”an absolute disgrace” that De Villiers had not signed his contract.
”Any decent organisation would advertise a post, have interviews, appoint the best candidate and sign the contract of employment before showcasing him to the media. This is definitely not the case in South African rugby,” wrote Krige.
”It is an absolute disgrace that De Villiers hasn’t got a contract two months after he was appointed to the position. There are certain people who believe that he is greedy wanting the same salary as his predecessor Jake White. I don’t agree, Peter is rightfully entitled to the salary he deserves as coach of the world champions.”
”Peter’s work is going to be much more difficult than Jake’s was, and the big problem now is the clause. SA Rugby want him to listen to the national selectors when selecting his sides. But I ask, how can they ask anyone to take responsibility for the results of a side when he doesn’t have final say over the team?
”Harry Viljoen, Rudolf Straeuli and Jake White all had the same clause in their contracts and it was never an issue. If SA Rugby gave these coaches the right to choose their own teams, then they can do the same for De Villiers.”
Krige said the big worry for him was the arrival of Six Nations champions Wales in two months time.
”In two months Wales arrive here full of pride and confidence. The Springboks don’t have a coach and the rest of the world is laughing at us. They hope we fall deeper into the mire, because it will make us less dangerous on the field.
”SA Rugby should be man enough to give Peter what he wants, so that he can get on with the job.” – Sapa