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New Springbok coach packs the credentials

South Africa rugby coach Peter de Villiers speaks during a press conference announcing his appointment in Cape Town, South Africa, on Wednesday. PHOTO: EPA

Peter de Villiers, who on Wednesday became the first black coach of the South Africa rugby team, has already turned the Springboks into world-beaters in his time in charge of the junior teams.

The 50-year-old, who beat off the challenges of three other short-listed candidates -- Heyneke Meyer, Allister Coetzee and Chester Williams -- made clear that merit would be the sole criterion for selection as he was unveiled by his bosses at a press conference in Cape Town.

"Players out there must understand they will all stand an equal chance," he told reporters. "If they are good enough, talented enough and work hard enough they will be part of the squad."

De Villiers has vast experience in the national set-up, having most recently taken charge of the South Africa Under-21 team. He led the side to the World Championship final last year after winning the title in 2005.

He coached the Emerging 'Bok team, winning an IRB tournament held in Romania last year.

He has also been a successful under-19 coach, leading the national team for two years.

"Players out there must understand they will all stand an equal chance. If they are good enough, talented enough and work hard enough they will be part of the squad."

Peter de Villiers, Springbok rugby coach

experience

In total, de Villiers has 15 years of coaching experience, but he has never been in charge of a Super 12 or Super 14 team. Domestically, he coached the Valke in the Currie Cup competition for three seasons.

A former provincial scrumhalf for Griqualand West and Boland, de Villiers is a hard-talking man, with plenty of passion, although he may battle to win the support of his players, especially the older, more settled ones, many of whom will know precious little about his abilities as a coach.

A number of emerging players, however, have played under him and with the South African Rugby Union looking to the future, he was perhaps the best suited candidate.

The promising youth coming through the systems -- among them Hilton Lobberts, Waylon Murray, Pierre Spies and Frans Steyn -- have all been coached by the new 'Bok boss.

merit

De Villiers cut his teeth coaching club rugby in the Cape Province for a number of years and knows the game as well as anyone in the country. While keen to see more black representation in the national team, he is also a firm believer in merit-based selection.

A passionate rugby man at heart, de Villiers is also ambitious.

He applied for the job in 2004 when outgoing 'Bok coach Jake White pipped him to the position, but he has always been seeking to improve and better himself within the South African rugby coaching structure.

Just two years ago, he was appointed coach of the now defunct Eastern Cape-based Southern Spears franchise, while on numerous other occasions he has thrown his name into the hat when senior Super 14 and Currie Cup positions have become available.
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