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Mixed review for Bok coach De Villiers

South Africa Rugby Union has confirmed the appointment of Peter de Villiers as head coach of the Springbok.09/01/2008 PIC. ESA ALEXANDER.© SUNDAY TIMES
South Africa Rugby Union has confirmed the appointment of Peter de Villiers as head coach of the Springbok.09/01/2008 PIC. ESA ALEXANDER.© SUNDAY TIMES

SA RUGBY is happy with Springbok coach Peter de Villiers's coaching prowess - but he has been cautioned about his relations with the media and the sponsors and also about an over-focus on transformation in team selection.

SA RUGBY is happy with Springbok coach Peter de Villiers's coaching prowess - but he has been cautioned about his relations with the media and the sponsors and also about an over-focus on transformation in team selection.

Sunday newspaper Rapport reports that De Villiers passed his performance review last week, but that he first had to explain his strange and controversial statements to the committee that consisted of SA Rugby Union (Saru) president Oregan Hoskins, acting chief executive of SA Rugby Andy Marinos, Springbok selector Ian McIntosh, the chairperson of the board of SA Rugby Jan Marias and Leopards president James Stoffberg.

According to Rapport, the members of the committee were pleased with his performance as coach in winning the series against the British Lions, but queried his team selections and his use of tactical substitutes.

De Villiers was warned that he might have placed too much focus on transformation and this could count against him in future. Players of colour who had been selected but whose form was not up to standard were apparently brought to his attention. De Villiers's media relations apparently took up most of the meeting, with his controversial statements being discussed individually. He was "shown how he could have put things differently", and advised to speak Afrikaans at future press conferences in order to express himself correctly. He agreed to that, according to the newspaper.

De Villiers was also instructed to refrain from political or religious comments at his press conferences.

Hoskins told the newspaper the performance review was constructive and that the national coach had taken their advice to heart. - Sapa

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