A month or so ago it seemed inevitable that de Villiers would be axed after a horror season for the Springboks, and after a series of verbal and selection gaffes. But either de Villiers is made of sterner stuff, or he knows which skeletoins might tumble out of which SARU board members' closets, for he has lived to fight another day. That can only be good news for the All Blacks and the Wallabies in a year's time.
Peter de Villiers wears his heart on his sleeve, and isn't afraid to speak his mind, although he and his defenders have been quick to play the "English is my second language" card. Some of his selections this season bordered on the bizarre however, and it is strongly suspected that he is coach in name only.
In any event, Peter de Villiers seems likely to be a part of South Africa's Rugby World Cup defence next season, prompting this warning from Wynne Gray to our northern rugby brethren:
Then New Zealand and Australia chipped in asking for a Sanzar hearing into P Divvy's behaviour. That provoked the ire of SARU boss Oregan Hoskins, who labelled it a "declaration of war".
It was more like foolish. Why would New Zealand and Australia want a struggling Springbok coach removed? P Divvy is the best ally the Tri-Nations sides have for next year's series and subsequent World Cup.
Fortunately SARU came to the same conclusion. De Villiers will be in charge of the Boks on their end-of-year tour and unless there is a massive meltdown on that trip, he will be in charge for the seventh World Cup in New Zealand.
Now, you Brits, go easy on P Divvy. He's a good bloke, misunderstood. He's bringing over a composite side to tackle the Grand Slam, cut him some slack and just enjoy the journey because there will be a few laughs along the way.
Indeed. P-Divvy, we salute you!
3 comments:
SARU cannot back down on its appointment of an 'affirmative' coach but have tried to inveigle someone in to 'guide' PdV through his difficult task. No one is biting and why should they? Who wants to have the likely outcome on their CV?
The EOYT results are likely to harden SARU's spine and a different decision will have to be made (we hope).....but who will accept the poisoned chalice?
The biggest hurdle in the AB's chances for a RWC has been taken out of the race.
Politics and sport do not mix and the political interference by today's bunch of racists matches that of the last lot. I suppose John Minto has run out of enthusiasm for protesting against racist tours now that a Marxist kleptocracy are the guilty party.
Good News for now but if they ever get their sh*t together and pick their best players in every position with the best coach they will be formidable opponents.
They really do have an awesome talent pool. But while the Politicians hold sway we should take full advantage.
That's not the funniest thing.
You want to see who NZ have picked as their coach.
The WWE trophy is Oz's to lose.
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