Under-fire Springbok coach Peter de Villiers has survived to lead the team on their end-of-year Grand Slam tour after reprieve by the South African Rugby Union (Saru).
De Villiers steered the 2007 World Cup champions to the Tri-Nations title and a series win over the British and Irish Lions last year but the Springboks have won just six of their 13 Tests since then, three of them against Italy.
A Saru statement said the focus was now on “selecting and preparing a Springbok squad for the end-of-year tour under the guidance of the current management”.
The South African rugby media have speculated, however, that Saru may call on someone from outside the current management to assist De Villiers.
Recipe for success
Former All Blacks coach John Mitchell, who is currently turning around the fortunes of the Gauteng Lions team, and Western Province director of coaching Rassie Erasmus have confirmed they were approached by Saru but turned down offers.
“The committee’s focus was very much on examining areas where we can assist the Springbok team and coach in making sure they arrive at the field in the best possible state of preparation,” James Stoffberg, the chairperson of Saru’s rugby committee, said in the statement.
“We reviewed the season to date and have discussed options for assisting the team in those preparations. It was a frank meeting but a positive one.
“The results of the Springbok team are of paramount importance to our organisation and everyone in the room was committed to providing the team with the best conditions in which to succeed.”
De Villiers said: “It was a very helpful process as we have thoroughly reviewed all our systems. We know there are areas in which we must improve and we will be focusing on those in the remainder of the season.” – Reuters