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Getting back in the game South African rugby officials call for overhaul
JOHANNESBURG,South Africa (AP) -- South African rugby officials on Tuesday called for an overhaul of the game's administration in the country, including changing the competition structure, player development and national team selection all designed to restore the Springboks to international prominence. Newly appointed team manager Gideon Sam read a statement on behalf of the South African Rugby Football Union (SARFU) declaring that while it supported coach Nick Mallett's more open style of play for the Springboks, he needed help in selecting the best players. The announcement comes only days following the Springboks' fourth consecutive loss, a 26-6 drubbing by Australia on Saturday in Sydney. "We share the disappointment and understand the public's frustration after failing to win," Sam said. "We need bigger and better input from the structures within SARFU. At the moment there is no linkage and the national coach has been unable to identify the best players." Mallet, however, was adamant he had chosen the best players to implement his more offensive-minded strategy. "We selected the best players I believe can take SA rugby forward. These are the form players of the Super 12; they're young and, given time, they'll play the kind of rugby we're looking for." Mallett said his new game plan was very simple. "I'm only asking that the players hold on to the ball. They must keep the ball in hand, whatever happens," he said. "We can no longer just run over the opposition; we've got a pack of mobile forwards now." "We have in fact been able to move play out wide on a number of occasions. Unfortunately we haven't been successful enough to score tries," he said. The Springboks returned home early Tuesday from their South Pacific tour, with Sam declaring that management, the players and coaching staff still backed Mallett's approach to taking the game forward. However, he said, Mallett needs help. "Unfortunately, we have decided to go with the new way, but there are certain demands that must be fulfilled," Sam said. "There has to be a fair competition program and, as has been pointed out, the Springboks' test schedule this year is very tough. "Also, there has to be development of better skilled players." Despite harsh criticism by some, Mallett gave no indication of resigning. "As far as I'm concerned, I have a contract to coach the Springboks until the end of next year and I intend to uphold that contract," he said. Mallett's future is likely only to be discussed by the SARFU executive at the end of the month after the Tri-Nations tournament. The Springboks next matches are Tri-Nations games against the All Blacks at Ellis Park on Aug. 19 and the Wallabies in Durban on Aug. 26 in the return leg.
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