Archbishop Desmond Tutu has lauded Springbok rugby coach Peter de Villiers for the performance of his team in recent months.
”It is surely time to accord Peter de Villiers some deserved respect,” Tutu said in a statement this week.
He said it was not easy for De Villiers to enamour himself to Springbok rugby fans when he took over the coaching job from Rugby World Cup-winning coach Jake White.
”De Villiers didn’t make it any easier, seemingly shooting himself in the foot whenever he opened his mouth to speak to media.”
The Springbok team has attained a strong lead in the Tri-Nations, with three wins in as many games.
Tutu said De Villiers had been given a rough ride.
”At first, when his Springboks registered some good results last season, the ‘knowledgeable rugby fraternity’ put it down to the residual value of Jake White’s influence.”
When the Springboks continued winning this year, experts said it had more to do with the captain and senior players.
Tutu said the time had arrived to give De Villiers the recognition he deserved.
”When the Springboks beat the All Blacks for the first time in Dunedin a year ago, it was not a fluke.”
The team went on to register record scores against Australia at home and England away.
”And this season they have beaten the British and Irish Lions — and New Zealand twice and Australia once, on three consecutive weekends,” Tutu said.
”It is a splendid record by a splendid team that is splendidly coached.” — Sapa