Springboks coach told to cut out gaffes

 

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By NZPA, 21 Jul 2009 NZPA is a Roar Pro

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 International Rugby, Peter de Villiers, Rugby Union, Springboks

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Flowery speaking Springboks rugby coach Peter de Villiers has been told to stop making embarrassing statements to the media.

De Villiers landed himself in trouble during the Lions series when he used a black-white mechanic analogy with racial undertones to defend halfback Ricky Januarie’s inclusion in the squad.

He went on to infuriate the Lions by defending the actions of rugged flanker Schalk Burger, who was banned for eight weeks for eye gouging.

De Villiers was given a dressing down when he met with South African Rugby Union (SARU) officials this week, local media reported on Monday.

“The assessment committee advised Peter to refrain from statements involving the Bible and to generally be more careful about what he says,” SARU president Oregan Hoskins told the Sunday Times.

“We explained where he could have used a different approach. One example was the statement about the mechanic when he tried to defend Ricky Januarie’s selection.

“We made it clear the media wasn’t there to fight with him and that they just report what they see and hear.

“We spent almost a day with Peter and had quite a productive meeting. I think he can put the exercise to good use.”

The All Blacks arrived in Pretoria on Monday to prepare for their first of two Tri-Nations matches against South Africa on successive weekends.

The first is in Bloemfontein on Sunday morning (AEST), with the second in Durban a week later.

Skipper Richie McCaw, centre Conrad Smith and lock Isaac Ross were the only players nursing minor injuries following Saturday night’s 22-16 win over Australia.

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