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Satisfied Bosses gives backing to Springbok coach Mallett
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) -- The South African Rugby Football Union (SARFU) on Monday dismissed the notion that Springbok coach Nick Mallett has been given an ultimatum, instead declaring its support for the beleaguered coach. A report on a South African rugby Internet site stated that Mallett had been given an ultimatum to win both the remaining Tri-Nations fixtures against Australia and New Zealand or be replaced. According to the report, this information came from a "high-placed source within the SARFU executive." Former Western Province coach Harry Viljoen was touted as Mallett's possible successor in the wake of the Springboks' four successive test defeats. However, after the customary end of tour meeting between Mallett, Springbok team manager Gideon Sam and the SARFU Management Committee in Johannesburg on Monday, SARFU announced that it was satisfied with Mallett's interim report and that the coach and his team have the full support of the Management Committee. Viljoen has also dismissed as speculation the rumors that he could succeed Mallett as national coach. "It's all speculation. To be honest, it's not a good thing for Nick Mallett and I don't know where it started," Viljoen told Reuters. "I came back from Italy on Saturday and I heard my name being mentioned. I have had no formal approach from SARFU. "If I do get asked, I will consider it. But let's wait and see what happens."
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.
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