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Buntu Marubungwana

South Africa
News24 User

'Is PDV a bad coach?'

by Buntu Marubungwana
2009-07-03 09:59

Dear Editor,

Is PDV a bad coach or a man that is not so skilful with the queen's language? I think that is the question everyone should be asking themselves.

As far as coaching goes, I believe a coach should be judged on results, not what he says when he addresses the media. If a person is a footballer then surely you don't expect that person to be an expert on international relations. my point is, you can't judge a coaches abiliity on the basis of what he utters.

I have listened to people complaining about PDV being out of his depth and so on, and these statements are based on the fact that he made an error in judgement against the Lions when he substituted a quarter of the team.

Joel Santa can't even speak English for Pete' sake and I don't hear anyone calling for his head.

Not a bad coach

This is the man that did what many coaches couldn't do, he won at the house of pain and he won the British & Irish Lions series. I believe if this were the coach that the powers that be at SARU and your typical rugby supporter really preferred (Heyneke Meyer), then there wouldn't be any of this nonsense.

Schalk Burger gouges another player and the public shifts focus from him to PDV, instead of condemning Schalk, hardly anything is said about him.

Support the coach

I think the rugby loving public should support a coach of the national team irrespective of his skin colour, for reference u can take the South African soccer team.

In 1996 when they won the Afcon the coach was white and the captain as well, and your typical soccer supporter didn't care about that as long as the team was doing well.

Now if we South Africans are serious about developing talent we need to encourage it not vilify it at every mistake they make, everyone makes mistakes it but we have to be persistent to be able to get the best out of them.

Buntu Marubungwana

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Len 7/3/2009 10:08:24 AM
Very good point. some argue that the team performs well because of the players, despite the coach. Look at Real Madrid as example of a team with more talent than brains (administrator's) and yet they have not won any single title in 3 years. The All Blacks have always had the best players with great rugby brains, and yet have not won a world cup in 25 years. So, give PDV his due.

Wisdom 7/3/2009 10:12:33 AM
I agree in part. I think that a coach is a ambassador and leader. That means that he is judged on the results which no one can complain about and he's diplomacy which leaves a lot to be desired.

lekabsito 7/3/2009 10:14:15 AM
Nice Article, i agree with u that the coach should be judged by his archievments and not what he say, i still think he should not try to be smart when he speaks though, just my opinion.

SimonP 7/3/2009 10:15:49 AM
A coach should be judged on results. But if he/she is going to talk nonsense to the world press he/she will be judged on that as well. PDV should stick to talking about the game, that garbage about taking a car to a garage rant that was bound to raise eyebrows. If he continues to spout his political views he will continue to be criticised for it. Can you imagine if a white coach stood in front of the world press and spouted anti ANC riddles.

NIGEL 7/3/2009 10:16:02 AM
Good points. Agreed - lets see how we do on Saturday and take it from there.

BB 7/3/2009 10:16:05 AM
It has nothing to do with skin colour!! Piet Snoor is out of his depth, that is a Fact. He has inherited the World Cup winning squad from Jake White and he is riding on the success of that team. The fact that the Springboks carry on winning is in spite of PDV, not as a result of his coaching "skills". Wait until most of the current squad starts seeking greener pastures in Europe & UK and then judge PDV , when he has to start rebuilding the team.

visitor 7/3/2009 10:20:17 AM
but is it the coach that yields the results?
would pdv been able to achieve similar success with a team like western provice?
or is he just riding the wave and levering on john smit and dick miur's experience?

Yuvraj 7/3/2009 10:20:28 AM
What a good article, like you said he achieved in 2 years something others did not achieve in a lifetime. I think the biggest problem they have with PDV is his skin color because many people believe that his job are only for DUTCMEN.

Alicia 7/3/2009 10:21:15 AM
When everyone was shouting for Pieter de Villiers's head, I shouted back "Give him time" And boy, has he shown the world. His leadership is superb. What the hell if he cannot speak English straight from a dictionary. He gets his message accross..and that message is..."Do not mess with my boys". Our boys, of which he is the Masthead, the life and soul. I love his retoric. It makes me happy, it makes me laugh. I hope he never ever changes. He will just not be Pieter de Villiers anymore. I think there is a lot of jealousy involved here. We will all be cheering for our Boks tomorrow, and for Pieter. What a change he has made. God Bless them All.

Robert Ndungane 7/3/2009 10:21:41 AM
Stop reading racisim into everything. There is more at stake here than Pdvs media comments.Imagine if her were a white coach and he made these comments?!!!

godfrey 7/3/2009 10:24:52 AM
There are people who are constantly hurling racial abuse at PDV, even on this forum, just wait a bit, and then they complain when he hit back. PDV is definitley not a 'ja baas' and they don't like it.

Jimmy Jackpot 7/3/2009 10:29:44 AM
PDV is not being condemned for his use of language or whether he speaks well in public. It is the content of his statements that finds him with his foot in his mouth all the time. You cannot call those who criticize him racist because they don't agree with what he says, he is being criticized for his mistakes and for the content of his statements, not because he is black. It doesn't matter what colour you are, if you are wrong, then you are wrong. Wake up and smell the coffee, boet.

sido 7/3/2009 10:30:54 AM
PDivvy cannot read the game at this level - and this is my reason why - when the scums are un-contested you dont need props on the field -they are slower than your flankers or locks and 8th man - so you replace them with subs that can run around the field - plug gaps and make fast tackles and distribute the ball - in essence you switch to a 7's style game - Pdivvy could not see this as he was so worried about the public cr@pping on him for unwarranted substitutions at the wrong time. Surely when you see your main kicker is not slotting it - you make a plan but he sits and waits, hope and pray that thing will work out - he needs to get with the program - and the program is that this is a sport that pays alot of money and losing is not an option!

WJS 7/3/2009 10:31:57 AM
@Buntu. I couldn't agree with you more! Judge him on his results and not how he interacts with the media. What is his core job function? To coach the squad and produce the results, not to be a media liason. In my books PDV is doing a damn fine job!

Vukani 7/3/2009 10:32:45 AM
Thank you Buntu! You have summed up my thoughts. Saw an interview with John Smith this morning on CNN. I had to laugh as John said: "We have been in tremendous physical encounter before but have never experienced so much whining!" I agree!! Have a look at the practise sessions, the players respect PDV and the whole coaching team. Judge them on results and stop whining!

Roland Boon 7/3/2009 10:32:45 AM
You dont have to speak the queens language to be an idiot, To PV it comes naturaly.

fraud 7/3/2009 10:33:03 AM
True that! Every coach before him was judged on his performance on the field. Let PDV be also judged on his achievements (or lack thereof) on the field. I remember last year when we won in nz, ppl said it was luck. Then we gave aus the biggest hiding ever, and ppl said that aus had decided not to play, some said our players did their own thing and did not follow the coach's instructions. What pathetic excuses. In fact, they don't even deserve a response. If PDV is still coach in 2011 and we win the world cup, he'll still be critisized for one thing or the other.

Muhammed Abad 7/3/2009 10:33:07 AM
Well personally, I dont think pdv is responsible for the Boks success

I think that the Boks are playing the way they are because of Jake White

Yes you will always have those who do not like pdv because of his skin color, but really, I dont think he was the man to replace Jake White.

Will he ever stop bringing up race issues and get on with the job he cant do?

To me, he is just feeding off the former coach's success, mark my words it will end one day

Souf Efrican supporter 7/3/2009 10:34:43 AM
Well Said Buntu. A lot of the comments on PDV smacks of racism.

Thooko 7/3/2009 10:36:19 AM
I am sure he is a good coach, But the national coach should also be an ambassador which he is not. I would love to have a well spoken national coach who I will not be ashamed of when he apears on international television!

Viljoen 7/3/2009 10:36:34 AM
He really isnt such a good coach as your trying to make him out to be. IF it was not for SB injury Brussow would not have had a run. In both games he was very lucky that things turned out the way that they did and that he HAD to bring Brussow and Steyn on. The so called "house of pain" was a lucky bounce of the rugby ball for Ricky. Things could have just as well gone the other way. We should be wiping the floor with the B&I Lions with the quality of players we have, instead we have out of form players on the field and inform players on the bench.

patrick bateman 7/3/2009 10:36:45 AM
Whilst I agree that he should be judged solely on his results he should also remember that South African rugby has a reputation for thuggery and Schalks actions and his statements have not painted us in a favourable light. In terms of results- until we win the tri nations the jury is out on his coaching abilities

Conscience 7/3/2009 10:37:30 AM
Buntu, you are absolutely correct. If dyslexic person can become a multi-billionaire, a person who cannot express himself properly does not mean he is a bad coach. It simply means he may be an idiot. And that's it. His comments are shocking to say the least - comments that should not be coming out of a national coach's mouth. THat is what people are complaining about. Secondly he is very erratic and inconsistant, something which you cannot gamble with being a national coach. That is what people are complaining about. But yes, I agree with you that PDV's failure to express himself does not necessarily prove him to be a bad coach - but it will help if he creates a good impression and is well spoken as is expected in this Professional era.

Patrick 7/3/2009 10:38:01 AM
I agree 100%.

PdV is taking flak for standing besides his player. Rugby really needs to wake up... have a look at an Alex Ferguson or an Arsene Wegner...their stand point is always miopic. We (as a spectator) need to forward our thinking...cant be stuck in this 80s conventional thinking.

A coach will always stand besides his man -- even though he strays sometimes in his explanations.

And plus, PdV press conferences are entertaining. Dont persecute the guy for coming up with analogies. I would rather go to a PvD conference than a McGeeghan...

Oh and PvD probably has a better win % than Jake...

Nature 7/3/2009 10:39:22 AM
We all seem to be the coach these days, if we can learn to let him do his job without any interference, he wouldn't be saying all these comments.
We seem to find fault everytime he exercises his own discreation, Div is a good coach, but we are not!

Spiderman 7/3/2009 10:39:42 AM
Firstly, I agree totally with you. Judge him by results. However, what we say and what is perceived internationally is also important. Get a spokesman (expert) if you fall short and focus on your job!

Houston 7/3/2009 10:40:16 AM
@Buntu, Santana does not stand up disgrace thee national soccer team (they do that on their own). De Villiers is a clown and an embarrassment, we're not talking about a school rugby team, we're talking about probably the best sporting team in South Africa - who else really brings such pride to South Africa in sporting terms? Jake White commanded respect, PdV commands nothing other than the ability to speak before he thinks. And how u can say nothing was said about Schalk is ludicrous, clearly u don't pay much attention!

Glock 22 c 7/3/2009 10:40:31 AM
He seems like a good coach. But he is a very bad public speaker and he doesnt have the voice to do so. He should get a spokes person

Luke 7/3/2009 10:42:03 AM
P Divvy is a brilliant coach. When he opens his mouth everybody listen. Not everybody understand what he means but at least they listen to what he says. And the press loves him because he provides them with quotable quotes.

Willie @ Buntu 7/3/2009 10:42:53 AM
Clearly you don't know anyting about rugby my man. SA is full of talent when it comes to rugby, look at the emerging boks could even draw with the Lions!!! The fact is he is not good for SA rugby, I supported him, till he called people racist for slating January's bad form, nothing gets said when Ruan got slated for his bad game by PdV???? The talent in this country carries him, and we all know we can be better. His team for this game is a good pick I believe.... But interesting point none the less you making!

Anon 7/3/2009 10:43:49 AM
I believe that PDV is doing a great job based on his nresults. He has however erred by condoining Schalk's eye gorging incident. This should not howver detract from his coaching ability. Remember Jake White also screwed up and took a ponding from the Pommoie press. To shift the focus elsewhere is not something new. For me the real question is why is so little said about the B & I Lions "dity play" tactics. If you get beaten by your own game why then cry?

Cape Town Kid 7/3/2009 10:47:22 AM
There is a clear manipulative campaign against PDV by movers and shakers with media using its clout to discredit him. It is nothing but a racist agenda. He is being punished for being black, for siding with an ANC govt and for being a COACH of a 'white' sport. So Media, the chief provocateur will intensify the CAMPAIGN. Contradiction - its got nothing to do with RUGBY!! His credentials speaks for itself!

Gatiep 7/3/2009 10:49:09 AM
The tallest trees catch the most wind and PDV should be no exception, neither was Jake White excused for whatever he did wrong, just because he won the world cup!!
Get the chip off your shoulder; it is not about colour (as you would like it to be).

He has done a couple of things to make-up this bed of legitimate question about his suitability as a national representative. What happened to the accusation that he slept with a “woman” (not his wife) in a car outside a hotel? I smell smoke….and his latest antics has fuelled the fire.

Viva ability (not colour)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Realist 7/3/2009 10:52:58 AM
To answer your question in simple terms with out beating about the bush: YES. He is a token coach.

Cynical 7/3/2009 10:53:38 AM
10/10 For This Masterpiece Of An Article!

Fully agree Buntu! The coach of a national team should be permitted to say as he pleases in front of the international media, right? So let him shoot his mouth off as much as he likes, in fact let him even use the f-word, and show the middle finger salute, maybe even expose himself as a symbol of defiance to the media, right? I'm sure nobody will mind, right?

keith 7/3/2009 10:57:33 AM
@ Patrick - You can only compare winning percentages when P Divvys tenure is over. To put things into perspective though Jake will be remembered as the World Cup winning coach – that is what he setout to do from the start. He didn’t have a fantastic record with only 1 Tri Nation’s series win under his belt. Rankings and winning percentages are one thing – World Cup holders is the difference. P Divvy will get his chance at the World Cup. Let’s see how that goes...then we’ll see if he is good enough or not.

HC 7/3/2009 10:58:59 AM
Peter was looking for trouble with his initial statements regarding the Burger incident. Instead of condemning it straightaway, his lack of both diplomacy and communication skills took the upper hand and then the sparks started flying. He should be reminded that his dialect (regional expression) is not always understood - even in his mother tongue. To expect from him to express himself in "the queen's tongue" is a recipe for disaster.

It is too early to objectively judge his coaching skills. It is, however, important to remember that: a. His success with the bonsai Boks doesn't really missile him to "who-do-you-want-to-be-alone-on-an-island-with" status. b. He inherited a RWC squad. Success as a coach can only be measured by CONTINUITY of successful (winning) matches - AND THE WAY IN WHICH YOU WIN IT! Please also do not believe statements made by players regarding how good the coach really is. They are playing for big money and any negative snort will effectively sideline a wannabee.

visitor 7/3/2009 11:03:07 AM
do yourself a favour and have a look at what the poms have to say about pdv: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/rugby_union/article6619571.ece?Submitted=true
they just keep on yapping and complaining.
i say: rock on pdivvy! irrespective of whose wave you're surfing - keep it up. for once the sa public should put all differences aside and support a winning team! your ultimate test would be tri nations though...

Chris G 7/3/2009 11:03:43 AM
WHAT RESULTS?? The B + I Lions are made up of 4 teams that would never have a chance against the Boks. Tri-Nations is where we take on the world's best and where did we end up last year? STONE LAST!! I haven't forgotten, so until he brings home a Tri-Nations trophy, I won't be impressed.

cuba 7/3/2009 11:06:31 AM
have to agree, the man is getting results and that is what we want to see. he is just a terrible public speaker and should get a spokesman, or go on a public speaking course so that he won't make idiot comments like being 'a god-given talent that can do no wrong' and saying that he doesn't give a damn about public opinion. if he sorts out his public image, i'm sure we'll all come to love the man, since... and cape town kid, you really need to get that chip off your shoulder lil lady, maybe you should marry a white guy and take all his money, i'm sure that'll help you deal with your rage issues

Motho Montsho 7/3/2009 11:08:58 AM
Honestly I think we need to stand back and support the coach and team, and keep rank, let the coach and players do their thing and let us support, we r not called to be coaches and players. we have 2 much to say and forget how hot it is to be a coach in the field/media conferences. Bless and pray for the coach and players and shut up.

Al 7/3/2009 11:09:54 AM
Nice one. However the management of S A Rugby should have seen from the outset that he should play a lower profile with the media. There are professional spokespersons who are qualified to liaise with the media. If PDV looses his post as coach it will not be because of his coaching, it will be because of his seeming lack of PR skills. So if S A Rugby get rid of him they are confessing to a lack of foresight on their own behalf.

Bruce 7/3/2009 11:10:53 AM
Buntu, good atricle and a credible plea for unity. However respect is a two way street. Div does himself no favours by ridiculing comments from supporters. He does not and should never be swayed by the vast array of public opinion. Just dont treat them as idiots, for it is they who buy the tickets which create the revenue and attract the sponsors who keep the entire Springbok team alive. By the way Cape Town Kid , you are a prize racist idiot

Gazza 7/3/2009 11:12:16 AM
Colour has nothing to do with it. Pdv has done very little right as a head coach. He has made a side that should be dominating the rugby world and beating teams by 20+ points each week competitive at best. The fact that we have to make 10 changes to thhe team each time a player of colour is injured or rested just to get th racial make up of the team correct is complete BS. The SA rugby public will support the best player in the position regardless of his colour and that goes for the coach as well.

Poloyatonki 7/3/2009 11:12:57 AM
You cant compare soccer with rugby...SAFA Management Failed... Association of Idiots, We lack proper resources at the development stages of our soccer players….SAFA failed BIG TIME. They cant run football in this country at all.

Kev 7/3/2009 11:14:35 AM
@BB: You say that if new players are introduced then we'll see how he does... U also mention that he's riding on jakes team!!! Are you mad! If jake has to work with new guys will he all of a sudden just win games? NO idiot! Every coach will have to build his team, so i dont see how logical your point is! I smell pure racism! Sad buddy...Really SAD!

Sonny 7/3/2009 11:14:49 AM
@Cape Town Kid. You know nothing about politics but suddenly you are an expert on rugby. Go back to Valkenberg.

Wisdom @ Robert Ndungane and CTK 7/3/2009 11:15:36 AM
Why do you always read racism! It is not about his colour, if it was a pale male, I would have felt the same. Stop hiding behind your skin!

Spiderman 7/3/2009 11:17:10 AM
By the way.... What happened to the BI player which made a high-tackle on SB? Anyone knows?

SimonP 7/3/2009 11:18:00 AM
To all that defend PDV making racially oriented statements. What would you say if a white coach stated exactly what PDV said. You would all be screaming racist. Seems you think that its OK for a non white to be racist but not a white....you have been led well by a party of double standards.

Zolani 7/3/2009 11:19:48 AM
its not abot his skin, he is not the best person for our coach, Santana, is good so what he says does not matter

wtf? 7/3/2009 11:21:41 AM
He does not have a clue about coaching. He defends a player with cries of racism and then drops same player. He keeps at least one unnecessary prop on the field when scrums are uncontested. He takes all the key players off pretty much at the same time. he puts impact players on to start and keeps specialists onthe bench? And if you question him youre a bad mechanic who doesnt realise his god given talent? cmon please, the mans a clown. And his wins are coming from a team that JW built up. not through anything he is doing.

Mark V 7/3/2009 11:21:57 AM
True that people must be judged on their deliverables. How come then when under performing cadres are judged on non-performers the judges are suddenly racist?

Jakes 7/3/2009 11:22:02 AM
No, I dont think Piet Helium is a bad coach.The point is that he should not be allowed to speak.Why not allow Dick to do the talking and save us (SA Rugby)the bad publicity.If he is not fluent in the English language, then let him speak his own.All the other high profile coaches do it anyway. Then if he has to speak he will not make any stupid mistakes or get involved in politics.Maybe someone has to sit with him and explain what his involvement and requirements as a coach is.If we dont stop this man he will be in parlement soon, as minister without portfolio or spokesperson of the ANC

winston o boogie @fraud 7/3/2009 11:22:06 AM
youre an idiot, was nick mallet not fired for saying ticket prices were too expensive, so he was not judged on performance but on what he said. please go learn more about rugby before making yourself look stupid on this forum!

Yura Tule 7/3/2009 11:26:20 AM
I agree with your argument that results are what matters and racial issues have no place in sports.
Which kind of blows the whole quota theory out of the water, doesn't it? Great argument until there aren't enough "players of colour" in the rugby or cricket teams.

As far as De Villiers goes, I couldn't care less if the guy has the same IQ as Julius Malema so long as he's winning.

Mandy 7/3/2009 11:31:38 AM
At least PdV is always entertaining. At least our Boks are winning. What it the problem? Who the hell cares what the rest of the world think of him or us for that matter. They are just JEALOUS because we are kicking their asses. I agree with most comments on this site, it is the results that is important. We are not playing rugby to score browny points with the rest of the world. Go Boys!!

The Truth 7/3/2009 11:35:27 AM
He’s an arrogant fool who did nothing but inherit a wonderful team built by Jake White since 2004 (while still having to fight ongoing running battles with racist ANC politicians). Oregan Hoskins admitted that this man was chosen for reasons other than purely rugby, so I hope that he now enjoys having to clean after Div’s continuous verbal defecation. Div should also consider borrowing Santana’s English interpreter as I believe that most people cannot understand a single word that emanates from under that bush on his face! The Boks must just keep on doing exactly the opposite of what Div instructs them to do and they should be fine. All he is, is a very angry little man with a huge chip on his shoulder,but we know nothing will happen to him,as he has declared his support for the ANC.That is an immediate exemption from punishment for incompetence and failure.

Poloyatonki @ Cape Town Kid 7/3/2009 11:36:05 AM
You are spot on brother....His political Affiliation has a lot to do with this, If he was a DA sheep media would have kept its mouth shut.....Stupid guys Like WILDFIRE, says he is the most poor performing COACH........

NeilA @CTK 7/3/2009 11:40:50 AM
your`e comments are really becoming boring, where is your proof of a 'clear manipulative campaign', and where is your proof its a white sport because if thats your argument then isnt football a black sport, which i never hear you commenting on,so again you show everyone here you classical stupidity, but again thats now become the norm for you, hasn`t it?

Prez 7/3/2009 11:41:22 AM
No one cares what colour the coach is.. Helium's results are pleasing and very good, but he's the one always bringing up colour as with the incident concerning Januarie. As for Schalk Burger, everyone expects him to be a dumbass so why debate with him, but the coach on the other hand is supposed to know better and communicate with the public and the media.. (irrespective of the colour of his skin)... Once again, get over yourselves and STOP MENTIONING SKIN COLOUR as you are the biggest racists of them all.

Groucho Marx 7/3/2009 11:44:56 AM
"He may look like an idiot and talk like an idiot but don't let that fool you. He really is an idiot." - Groucho Marx

Saffa 7/3/2009 11:45:52 AM
Being a citizen of this lovely democratic country entitles me to an opinion. And since my money helps to pay his salary you can bet your pretty little behind that I am going to criticize him if I am not convinced he is the best person for the job. Being our national coach he has the added responsibility of ambassador for the game of rugby and our country. Something which at present he is failing with extinction. I would rather he keep his mouth shut and concentrate on coaching the boks than keep on embarrasing the whole country with what comes out of his mouth. He is making us out to be the laughing stock of the whole world. And with that I am not comfortable. So don't tell me to support PDV just because you seem to think he is worth supporting. And please stop playing the race card. Us whities are a bit gatvol to hear about race this and race that. He could be pink for all that I care, just as long as he does his job without irritating the hell out of me.

Ivan 7/3/2009 11:46:03 AM
PdV was doing fine untill he opened his mouth and spewed all that crap about himself and the Ricky verbage. It's not all about being articulate, and being able to speak English, it's more about what you say that is going to be remembered and frankly this idiot should rather hire a PR person cause he really is not doing himself, nor SA any favours in the world rugby publics eye. Hell if the lotto can fork out R1,8 mill/month for Santana and SA soccer interests, I am quite sure they can chuck a couple of bucks at helping this twit out. But probably wont cause Rugby is percieved to be a whites only sport, whereas soccer is not.

The Truth 7/3/2009 11:47:11 AM
And just who is your "typical rugby supporter" Buntu,or are you simply being as racist as Div rather blatantly showed himself to be when journalists questioned him about Enrico Januarie's continued selection,despite his clear lack of form and fitness (and dropping by Western Province)?

winston o boogie @ yuvraj 7/3/2009 11:48:03 AM
please stick to cricket as you know nothing about rugby, PS your`e comments are like that of a 8 year old!

LzK 7/3/2009 11:54:09 AM
We are all capable of saying foolish things when we are under pressure; he must have a spokesperson to deal with media questions.

Stephen 7/3/2009 11:54:20 AM
Let me give you racist cryers (CTK, etc) a bit of insight into what people overseas think, especially in NZ & Australia. Every Australasian (excluding expat Saffers) that I have spoken rugby with, thinks that PDV is a mamparra of the highest order. Are they all racist? Actually who cares cos you racist cryers will play the race card forever & ever anyway. You are all your own worst enemy. I hope that the Boks carry on playing well in spite of PDV and that they don't get spoilt as a team by politics & racial meddling. I'm not holding my breath though . . . Jake White should never have been replaced!

salome 7/3/2009 11:55:07 AM
Reading all the above comments makes me sad - we are South Africans and we enjoy our sport. People stop whinning and enjoy the rugby tomorrow. PDV is doing a damn good job even though it's not what the spectators want. He made the call to bring on the subs and we still WON.....we have a lot to be thankful for.

The Truth 7/3/2009 11:56:51 AM
Eleven wins from fifteen so far (including two wins against a mediocre Lions team made to look better than they ever were).Two losses each against New Zealand and Australia in his 1st year (With the World Cup winning team from only a few months prior no less).Jake White won the Tri-Nations in his 1st attempt.No contest as to who is the better coach.The Bok team coaches itself these days (with help from Gold and Muir),while Div loves being the centre of attention at practices and press conferences,and while Jake's once proud team degenerate into ill-disciplined thugs on the field. How could we have sunk to such depths in less than two years?! It really is a crying bloody shame.

The Truth 7/3/2009 12:08:53 PM
Strange how Butana Komphela and the ANC wanted to virtually have Jake crucified for not picking Luke Watson, or more “black” players, and yet not a word yet from them to Div for doing exactly the same thing.

Richard 7/3/2009 12:09:51 PM
I would agree with you if not for the fact that your logic is flawed by precedent. Nick Mallet's results spoke for themselves, yet he got sacked for critisizing ticket prices. Andre' Markgraaff got sacked for something he said in a private conversation! So the circumstances may be different, yes, but the precedent remains. Whilst I'm not condoning what MArkgraaff said, thats the way things have happened in the past.

Alex 7/3/2009 12:16:28 PM
PDV is an embarrassment, finish and klaar. You forget that Nick Mallett, arguably the best coach we're ever had, lost the job simply because he expressed a view about the high price of Test tickets (which was valid by the way).

RiaanL@Yuvraj 7/3/2009 12:17:29 PM
Dude you're an idiot... You know the Lions only tour here about once every 12 years, and I've never heard of someone coaching an international rugby team for that long, thus what you're saying he achieved in 2 years is fortunate enough for him that the Lions tour falls in during his coaching period and that he's got good assistant coaches etc... no credit to Jake White for winning the world cup (even with affirmative action in place) I suppose, which according to me is a much bigger achievement than beating the Lions squad during their 3 match tour.

Wynand 7/3/2009 12:18:54 PM
PdV made the right decisions when he came in as coach - and the fruit of those right decisions are showing now. Simply, he retained the core of the team and built some new players around that. In doing so he is operating from a position of strength whilst he builds his own experience. I love his honesty and passion for the game.

SimonP 7/3/2009 12:20:06 PM
@CTK prove "There is a clear manipulative campaign against PDV" The only place it is clear is in your indoctrinated mind.

Rovi 7/3/2009 12:20:20 PM
I find it disappointing that the race card keeps being played when it comes to the Springbok coach. If he chooses to comment in public, then his comments must be taken at face value. His approach must also be taken at face value. What I have seen is a coach who entered a scene as the first non-white coach with his being non-white an important reason for his appointment. So, a loaded situation. He has done damage to his reputation by crying racism every time his decisions are questioned - which I think is unfortunate. He should be bigger than that. He implied that eye-gouging was acceptable - rugby players on not ballet dancers. This is unfortunate. He rambles on about gouging lions in the bushveld - whatever that means. His problem is not a lack of command over English - it’s a lack of thinking before he speaks and getting flustered when questioned. Coaches around the world are spokesmen for the team they lead and the rugby they play - it's part of the job and he does this terribly badly. He has brought Springbok rugby's reputation down internationally. Look at Paul True - our 7's coach, what a wonderful ambassador for our rugby spirit. There is an example of the best of what we have. PDV is not equipped to be a spokesman for our rugby - I believe this limits his capacity to be the national coach - assistant coach perhaps, national coach no. We have many black and coloured players who are loved by all Saffers - that to me is proof that claims this is a race issue are absolute rubbish. It's time to elevate someone else up to that illustrious position - someone we can be proud of whenever they share their opinion with the world.

Xolani 7/3/2009 12:23:00 PM
@ wtf -- I suppose you can coach better then him ??? - that's why you sit on your coach and scream at the referre and the opponents with a beer on one hand. Why are you not at provinical level at least if you know so much about coaching Rugby. Whay annoys me is that every White person by virtue of them being white think they know more then the next person of colour when it come to Rugby. I played Craven week for two consecutive years and had the honour of attending Rugby clinics hosted by PDV and Ian Mac in my last Craven week. I can tell you know : He DEFINATELY knows how to coach a rugby team . I'm the first one to admit as well his PR skills leaves a lot to be desired, Comment about that - dont start saying " he cant coach " as if you can.

Dave 7/3/2009 12:23:28 PM
Truth; you are an idiot to say the least. Jake White will never coach the springboks again. PDV is the coach get this in your head and move on. sies!!

bennie 7/3/2009 12:28:16 PM
Nick Mallet got fired just because he critised expensive test tickets. And PDV is allowed to say what he wants... Just not FAIR

pyatte 7/3/2009 12:29:50 PM
The senior playes passed on by Jake White won this series. Just wait till they are all gone overseas!

WJS 7/3/2009 12:46:20 PM
The attacks on PDV are unwarranted. There was never this outcry with previous dutchmen coaches. They couldn't (and probably still can't) even pronounce the word WITH. All you would for example hear was what sounded like "WIFF". How embarrassing wasn't that that? So these criticisms on PDV are coming from two-faced supporters.

Andrew 7/3/2009 12:47:27 PM
I don't have anything against PDV and I think he should be given a chance. But I would like to point out that he may be missing a trick as a coach. See the BBC website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/simonaustin/2009/06/habanas_secret_weapon.html
Habana is paying out of his own pocket for visual exercises from a sport's scientist who has been credited for the success of the England world cup winning team. Why has PDV disposed of her services for the entire team?

Peekay 7/3/2009 12:50:33 PM
Peter de Villiers reminds me of the story about the woman that went around bragging that she turned her husban into a millionaire. What she didn't say was that he was a billionaire when she married him......

CLINTON 7/3/2009 12:52:45 PM
its the players who are winning and not our puppet coach. besides not talking proper english his comments in any language will sound faulty...we need to get rid of this moron and i believe we canhave a black coach but i am sure there are better prospects than this @#$%....what about chester williams....i am sounding emotional but can you blame me when after watching the springboks win i need to have the displeasure to hear oh peter peter pumpkins commemts....

Jacques 7/3/2009 12:54:42 PM
"The Truth" You are probaly afraid to reveal your name coz you dont have the guts to make the same stupid remarks if your friends knew it is you.

Johnnie 7/3/2009 12:57:21 PM
Funny, PdV was called a "clown" last night on Reunion talk show by the presenters...hehe..the whole world thinks we are a joke man.

Zappa 7/3/2009 12:59:00 PM
He is a racist, that is all that matters - we do not have place for blatent racists in authoritive positions in SA

Shaun 7/3/2009 1:01:58 PM
Yawn, so bored of all this racial banter. Anyone willing to spice it up a bit?

T 7/3/2009 1:05:53 PM
Good coach but he should shut up.

Brett 7/3/2009 1:06:53 PM
PDV is not a bad coach..... He is NOT a coach at all full stop!!!!

Priester 7/3/2009 1:08:57 PM
Buntu some of your points are valid and some not. Firstly we live in a multilingual country therefore it should be acceptable if the coach cannot communicate fluently in English. Not all South Africans can speak English. Let us give PDV credit for this. Secondly, my friend you are wrong by playing the race card again…….. As is always the case when people of color do not get what they want. In my opinion PDV had all the support he could wish for when he got appointed and I have supported him all the way. However he is the one who started playing the race card. This is not needed in sport, all sport for that matter. Thirdly, as the national coach it is not acceptable to publicly declare your support to a political party. Every person in this country has the right to support whom he wants however you do not mix politics and sport. Fourthly his persistence to select players out of form is not in the interest of the game. Again people will shout racism but clearly there are other players more than capable and deserving to be selected. Amen for Zane!!

Adrian 7/3/2009 1:10:45 PM
Buntu you got it spot on there my man. PDV was never given a chance form the word go,people complain about he's language skills wich is ridiculous. The other annoying thing is that these so called Bok supporters make k@k comment's like "it's not PDV that's coaching the team but the senior guys in the team" what a load of k@k. If that is the case how do they know?

Barry 7/3/2009 1:15:21 PM
PDV is providing results and so far has proved to be a good coach. The fact remains, he is still an ambassador for the game of rugby and for the country. By all means be truthfull, but do it diplomaticaly. This country can hardley afford his rudness.

Shannon 7/3/2009 1:15:57 PM
Buntu Marubungwana, I love you very much for this positive article!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

veebot 7/3/2009 1:16:05 PM
viljoen vljoen viljoen...so the brasil won the confed cup simply because they had a "lucky" freeckick in their game against SA? your logic is twisted indeed. whether or not PDV is riding the crest of JW's successes remains to be proven. Give PDV his due accolades the man is GOOD!!! Gees!

Shaun 7/3/2009 1:16:30 PM
FEW WORDS< PDV DID NOT TRAIN THE BOKS< JAKE WHITE DID

Francois Snyman 7/3/2009 1:22:19 PM
Ag Shame!

***** 7/3/2009 1:23:04 PM
Get him someone to speak on his behalf!!

Shannon 7/3/2009 1:23:16 PM
@Muhammed Abad! Did you ever play rugby in your life? or any aother sportfor that matter. I think PD had. So stick what you're do best: Making noise...

Maars 7/3/2009 1:25:45 PM
Lets leave the racial issues out !! Why do we have to revert to skin colour every time something goes wrong ? Come on Buntu, PDV clearly made himself the joke of the country. A good coach must set an excample for his players on and off the field. It does notmatter how he wants to backtrack, he said it and its on tape ! So, back to my point......once you and all South Africans do not climb on the old old gravy train story of skin colour, maybe we will get something right in this country. Irrespective of his colour, he made a joke out of SA Rugby !! Live with it !!

Sad Sack 7/3/2009 1:27:25 PM
Sry, but it is a package deal. a Winning record is but one part of it.

Sharki 7/3/2009 1:28:49 PM
I agree that he is a good coach, and can't speak english to save his life, BUT the comments this guy usually makes proves that he has no intellect. He is supposed to be a role model, an idol, and he is not giving a good impression, and keeps fueling racism. I'd rather lose a game than have this crap.

Hosuton 7/3/2009 1:31:50 PM
@WJS, what a clown you are, their is a distinct difference between not been able to pronounce a word and speaking crap. If u think PdV's problem relate to pronounciation then you are seriously missing the point. As for the derogatory Afrikaner comment, very childish.

Mike F 7/3/2009 1:32:25 PM
PDV is a good coach. His track record proves it. He is a very highly qualified coach, with very important successful coaching experience at junior Springbok level. But he is his own worst enemy in terms of refusing to supplement his high profile with much needed media & voice training. Effective communication training will always be needed at any level. His utterances about not giving a damn, & not listening to other opinions are short sighted & self destructive. Our National teams are a national asset. They belong to the Nation. the success of the Springboks injects our nation with patriotic pride which binds us together as a people, united in our national success. PDV's job carries with it the huge responsibility of making a nation happy & proud. Serving your Country in this capacity should be a privelege that keeps you humble, & aware of any chinks in your armour that make you vulnerable to performing at your best. The coach of our National team is an ambassodor of our country & her people. His success/failure will always be translated into the success/failure of the nation. His utterances will always be interpreted as the psyche of the nation. PDV this nation needs you to handle your position with grace, humility & patriotic pride.

The Truth @Jacques 7/3/2009 1:32:38 PM
My friends all agree with me (That's why they are my friends).Bite me pal. Provide your surname if you are so brave and I'll look you up so that we can debate it like gents (If you are one that is). If you support eye gouging and rude pigs like De Villiers however,then you are not and I have nothing further to say to you.

Rodney Benjamin 7/3/2009 1:33:06 PM
Not long before the WC when SA got hammered by the English in London...everyone was calling for Jake's head. He even had to travel back to SA to report to rugby bosses. Now everyone say's Jake's the best thing since sliced bread. What a fickle lot SA rugby fans are.

The Truth 7/3/2009 1:36:02 PM
I just have ask one question of all the brainiac Div fans out there (paid and unpaid ones): What did Jake White ever do wrong to deserve being treated like dirt since 2004 and then basically being axed in 2007?

Lance 7/3/2009 1:38:39 PM
PDV is still riding on the Jake White success train. Let' wait and C..

Virgin queen 7/3/2009 1:45:51 PM
I dont know what you guys are talking about because in the world i live in politics play a much bigger role. I agree that PVD's achievement should be praised and i think people are making a big deal out of this, men have succeeded out of sarcasm/ constructive ignorancy (Look at Mohammed Ali) as long as it causes no harm (commercialy) to anyone, let the man boast about the strength of the men he leads and make a fool out of you for expecting ballerina moves. It is his opinion, constitutionally, freedom of speech. I didnt hear him swearing at anyone, did you?

Pollie Otter 7/3/2009 1:46:07 PM
I'll be able to coach the boks from greenland via the internet if I had the ssistant coaches he has available to him. He's a team manager, not a coach. Who's your coach!!!

Flip Basson 7/3/2009 1:46:32 PM
PDV is an absolute disgrace. He should be bannished to Pollsmoor and maybe after a few nights with the '28's he will be speaking the Queens english !

piet 7/3/2009 1:47:25 PM
Well said. Look at some of the football coaches like Alex Ferguson and Mourinho (the chosen one). Big mouths and say all the wrong things but their team performs and produce the results. The media love to take any situation and blow it out of proportion.

Jono 7/3/2009 1:48:35 PM
If Div is out of his depth (as many say), then so was Jake White when he stared. He also went straight from coaching the U21s to the Boks without coaching currie cup or S14.

Hentie 7/3/2009 1:49:18 PM
No matter whether PDV is a good coach or not. He is such a public relations disaster that it is not worth keeping him, at any price.

Allan 7/3/2009 1:51:20 PM
The Bokke lost 49-0 to Australia with all the big name senior players --sies. Jake won the world cup with the help of Eddie Jones.The 3rd year of Jake's tenure -- his winning record was only 42% for that year. Peter DV is the man. Go Bokke!

Craig 7/3/2009 1:52:17 PM
Don't entirely agree with you. Look at what happened to Maakgraaf - fired over a comment made privately over the phone. not too sure that PdV is much of a coach either. OK, there have been some pretty good results but i am inclined to award that to the players rather than him. I may be biased, but I feel that PdV is a disgrace and an embarrassment.

Dale 7/3/2009 1:53:31 PM
In response to Bantu Marubaungwana's letter. I dont think PDV is necessarily a bad coach, but you have to remember however, that he did inherit a very good team with all the relevant infrastructures in place that made it a winning and well oiled outfit.

Amie O. 7/3/2009 2:00:57 PM
PVD is a good coach. He is human. He will make mistakes. We all have uttered things in error out of frustration and exasperation. It's a learning curve for him. He is a figure in the public eye and unfortunately the vultures will pounce on every mistake he makes or utters. I say we luv you PVD, you made a mistake, life is tough, get over it and move on.

Stone Cold 7/3/2009 2:01:49 PM
Allowing Helium to speak in his own language will not solve the problem. He sounds even more ridiculous in Die Taal!!

Herman 7/3/2009 2:06:01 PM
PDV is fortunate that he inherited a brilliant squad of players - he basically had nothing to do besides keepoing the momentum going, so therefore rugby should be in good health during his tenure, AS LONG AS DOES NOT IMPLEMENT ANYTHING NEW

Herman 7/3/2009 2:08:41 PM
Yes Shaun, I agree 100%

Houston 7/3/2009 2:09:04 PM
@piet, what a laugh, you want to compare Alex Ferguson to PdV, in terms of things they say, dumbest thing i've ever heard (ok, besides everything CTKid says).

Dene Elliott 7/3/2009 2:09:31 PM
I agree with Bantu - PDV has actually quite a good record and if he goes I will miss his antics.Lets also be fair the SA media have undermined every single rugby coach.Look what they did to Jake White and Rudolph Straeuli.It seems as if there great pleasure is to tear down coaches and continously snipe at them.

Allan 7/3/2009 2:11:26 PM
Some more stats.
Jake White's win ratio % against Australia - 55%; France 25% ; Ireland 50%; New Zeeland 33%. Enough said about this so called great coach.

fraud 7/3/2009 2:16:56 PM
I feel sorry for all those who hate PDV. He'll be around until 2011. Until then, the boks will be playing well and will win at least 2 tri nations trophies. The rest of us will be happy and celebrate, while you guys will be miserable and hate every minute of it. Finally, he'll successfully defend the world cup. That will be the climax of his career. We'll all be jubilant, while some of you might end up hanging themselves in disbelief. I really feel sorry for you.

Re: Bantu Marubaungwana' 7/3/2009 2:27:58 PM
I agree that a coach should be judged on results but don't forget that a coach should also respect the supporters, after all that is where the money comes from.

Coach 7/3/2009 2:29:02 PM
I agree PDV is still a good coach his record speaks for itself. We need to get a spokesperson for the Bokke. We can almost compare him to Bush with his clever sayings. We should call it de Vilierisms

ashmainia 7/3/2009 2:54:38 PM
You can call Div whatever you you want..fact remain is he's a good coach, so for heaven sake stop moaning & complaining about Div.Jake White,Markgraaf and the kamp staaldraad coaches are history, so get over it.Div deserve some respect from the media and all these people on this belog who can just complain and crit..Look at the results..We support you Div & Bokke,all the way.

padkos 7/3/2009 3:23:06 PM
I have just one question to ask all those that say ou Twakkies is a bad coach and please answer me. You say that the tests are won by the players, and nothing to do with the coach, even with his very good winning ratio. Take precisely the same scenario, but just replace Twakkies name with Meyers. Would you still make the same arguments, that it is the players that won the test and not the coach? I can bet you I will not received a answer.

Angelo 7/3/2009 3:34:20 PM
pvd is not a bad couch look at his track record .,. let that decide / not comments he makes about the WEEDS,.,

Peru Govender 7/3/2009 4:24:28 PM
PD is a good coach - however unlike the other so called coaches - PD is interested in transforming RUGBY at all levels - we see him interacting with clubs at all levels - A national coach must have a development plan and our coach has one - Well done SA Rugby

fern 7/3/2009 5:21:49 PM
Springbok coaches have always talked too much. At least P Divvy doesn't go on about members of other test squads who wouldn't have a chance of selection on a Bok squad...

fern @ The Truth 7/3/2009 5:28:47 PM
What did Jake do wrong? Do you remember the game where we lost 49-0? One can also argue that he got a golden generation of players that carried him through - despite the mostly defensive tactics.

Greg 7/3/2009 6:31:29 PM
Love your name it just flows off the tongue... Oh and by the way it will be recorded in history that Div may be one the most successful coaches to coach SA rugby.

goyougoodthing 7/3/2009 7:55:24 PM
The only area where we can look at Div on his own performance and not players, skills, previous admin etc is decisions during a game.

To date, Div has thoroughly messed this up at every turn.

Let's see how he is doing next year with a new crop of players.

lilian 7/3/2009 8:32:15 PM
Please man. We were lucky to win those two tests. De Villiers stuffed up big time in the first test. It was the players that pulled it off. Jake White built that team from scratch into a winning one. De Villiers inherited a good team. Only once he has built his own team and turned them into winners can he be called a good coach. So far he has done nothing but embarass himself with some of the garbage that comes out of his mouth. He gave the overseas media a good laugh though!!!!! He should rather join the ANC cabinet. He'd make a perfect spokesman for Zuma!!!!!

vinnie 7/3/2009 9:27:31 PM
PDV is reaping the fruit of Jake White's labour - let's not lose sight of that

zuluboere 7/3/2009 10:47:16 PM
To all you who are claiming that the Lions Series was won by the Jake White squad, you may have a point BUT PdV did well not to stand on their way to doing so, unlike Carel du Plessis who also took over a World Cup winning squad from Kitch Christie in 95 and ended up making losers out of them against the same Lions. Give credit to where credit is due, Pdv has a 75% success rate. Why didnt Jake White win in New Zealand? Just because a mistake was made in firing Mallet for his comments does not mean we should repeat it against PdV. I'm proud of PdV, especially for giving those Brits a piece of his mind.

brazilrugger 7/4/2009 1:58:44 AM
i think PDiwwy is fine. So the guys a bit rough around the edges, but its refreshing considering he tries to say what he feels rather than the politically correct approach otehr intnl coaches take. I am a neutral guy and like PdV. Also, i think the UK media have been irresponsible and vyer one-eyed and i agree PdV in his attitude to them. Dont let them push you round PdV. As for the race thing, you guys in SA really need to move on now....i dont even know what PdV race is and no one should care either

BOEREWORS 7/4/2009 7:48:51 AM
Well said Buntu. Rather than applauding the Springboks coaching team (of which PDV is the leader) for winning the test series, we are falling for the British media's way of dealing with the test series loss - by focusing and accusing everybody as long as they don't have to face the music. Come on guys, enjoy the moment, it don't come around every year. And for PDV... let his results on the rugby field speak for him.

cliff Bradley 7/4/2009 9:11:42 AM
Yuvraj- At Least The Dutchman Can Spell, You On The Other Hand ?????

Raymond 7/4/2009 9:45:33 AM
This is a World class team as we all know and this is what Twakkie inherited from Jake White,handed over on a silver platter.Modt coaches in this country would have received the same results,The same thing happened with Ian Macintosh after he moulded the 1994 team he was replaced by the late Kitch who went on to win the world cup in '95 but it did'nt make Kitch a great coach.To be honest,this Bok side,currently does'nt need a coach.The two assistants are more than enough.

CASH 7/4/2009 11:13:26 AM
P DIVVY IS A ROCKSTAR!
CANT NOBODY HOLD ME DOWN, CANT NO BODY TAKE ME DOWN...OH NO, I GOT TO KEEP ON MOOOOVING (SING ALONG HATERS)

Supporter 7/4/2009 11:31:07 AM
P divvy can be lucky he has great supporting coaching staff, and the best depth in World Rugby at the moment. Yes, he is just window dressing, maybe he should rather keep quiet during interviews, or go for PR training. I seriously doubt his intelligence when he opens his mouth, and he is making South African rugby look like a circus.

Justin 7/4/2009 11:40:17 AM
You are commenting on his performance now after taking over Jake's team with all the same players...he is riding on Jake's Loral's and is an open racist which is not what SA needs. I do not care what colour the coach is however do feel strongly that he should not be chosen with only colour in mind...

vinnie 7/4/2009 1:06:15 PM
but on da urra hend Souf Efrika can always replace PDV wif Julius Malema

Weskus Klong 7/4/2009 2:02:31 PM
My view is very simple on this matter. You want a good coach and not an excellent polititian. Jake was a good coach, and I think Peter is also a good coach as they are both rooted in the traditions of Rugby. The fact is that the SA perspective on what Rugby tradition is differs and this is where the water gets cloudy. Lets develop a new heritage and stop using the decades of unrealistic SA environments as the yardstick. Jake was a better diplomat as Peter, mainly because of his english background and his savy of dealing with the echilons of SA Rugby. Peter is not your tipical diplomatic caracter, but that is Peter. That does not mean he is not a good coach. In fact Jake's political skills came to the fore in him being used as the escape goat for the sacking of Loffie Eloff. This was in my view unethical and he has lost some credits with me in this regard. By the way, I am not not a Gauteng Lions supported but a true Strormer. Go Peter de Villiers and make us Proud by generating more successfull results. You are from Paarl and that is your heritage. You are not from Sandton and Parkhurst or was a teacher at Michealhouse.....Go Peter.

Jack Daniels 7/4/2009 4:49:43 PM
It was too early to sing his praises we lost by a huge margin on saturday and this is only the begining Tri Nations around the corner lets talk then.

Siswe Dlamini 7/4/2009 6:16:30 PM
From todays performance (And last weeks to be honest) we can see Jake White legacy fading. There is a clear indication that PDV has no idea whatsoever about coaching. Lets me honest with ourselves, after Jake White influence with the Springbok team they would have looked good together for the next season at least without a coach. Peter has his bum in the butter and his lack of ability as a coach is slowly shinning through now that the players actually need to be coach. The Springbok legacy is in big trouble with PDV there.

nic 7/5/2009 12:24:45 AM
The question is not whether Snor is a bad coach, but whether he was, at the time of his appointment, the BEST AVAILABLE person for the job.

Brutis Slaboslakowitz 7/5/2009 5:36:06 AM
Reg so Bro Bantu. Piet H2 is ok, maar hoekom bring jy nou die kleur ding in om te se "the colour of his skin" Fok man Piet H2 is goed en klaar, support die donner want wie weet wie kom in sy plek. Oom D.

vernon 7/5/2009 8:39:27 AM
Part and parcel of professional sport is having the coach provide comment and input to the media. As such your national coach should be able to do this in a professional way - especially because he represents the citizens of this country (ambassador) when he speaks. As such the argument that it's not about what he says and only about the result carries NO weight. Santana may not be able to speak English but what he does say (through his interpreter) does not EMBARRASS us as is the case with snor. He is a quota appointment who is out of his depth - both as a coach and as an ambassador. He basks in the glory of what Jake White developed. Yesterdays defeat to the Lions just shows what his God given talent really is - stuffing up something that used to work really well - in fact the best in the world!

Ricky P 7/5/2009 11:26:41 AM
Good article but the man I would really like to see in the hot seat taking SA rugby forward is Chester Williams. Now here is a man who can potentally become one of the great Bok coaches following on from a fabulous career where he was one of the most respected players both at home and abroad. Appointing someone like him as coach of SA would show that SARFU have foresight and the best interests of the Boks at heart, whilst promoting transformation in a postive and well thought out manner.

Colin 7/5/2009 12:20:18 PM
PDV is a problem. Nothing to do with colour, it's his approach in handling obvious situations. When asked about Ricky January’s selection based on poor performance he goes on the offensive with silly comments that white players preformed just as bad - ?It's unfortunate that quotas are still a part of SA Rugby which has to be jig-sawed into a picture that sort of works. It’s a worry that the 2nd string players, are simply not good enough to face the challenge - maybe one or two as individuals ,but the result on Saturday for the 3rd test is proof. As Nick Mallet said - the more players you have that can change a game is key to winning a test. We have them but just don't use them when needed!Doubt we will do well in the Tri-Nations - Hope to be wrong.

Mae 7/5/2009 2:03:18 PM
PDV certainly appears to be good at the helm of the team, and his level of command of different languages is not the main issue. However, comments attributed to him indicate an above average level of arrogance, as well as weak interpersonal skills, especially as they relate to the media that is an integral part of his duties and public exposure. SARU please train him or he will continue to embarrass himself and his country.

craig t 7/5/2009 2:37:03 PM
He is useless i think he would do well training a club rugby side in the boland district,the boks got a good rogering yesterday of course it was the coach,were dide this fool come from pity sport has turned into a political tool last dimise of something that was world class

Willem Haarhoff 7/5/2009 5:15:53 PM
After I posted my previous comment and as I read through the comments above I could not help but laugh. Us humans are a strange breed. None of us (including myself) can really boast exceptional writing (or communication) skills, not to mention the poor use of language, racist undertones and being impolite to one another. Need I remind you that all of this is in the public domain. The people making that are making the biggest statements and most noise seems to be the ones who are not revealing their true identity and would in all probability not have the guts to do what Div has been doing since the World Cup. Yet, here we all are throwing stones at the one man, despite his apparent shortcomings, who is willing to be out there in public just being himself. I don't like Div based on what I see but I do salute him for his courage - right or wrong?

Paul 7/5/2009 5:35:19 PM
While I partly agree with u, I think the problem with PDV is that he has simply taken over Jake White's formula. Make "Tim The Tool Man" the SA coach and I'm pretty sure he will do just as well. The problem with PDV is that when ever he tries to impose himself, he stuffs up. Look at the substitutions in the 1st test and now this last test. Sure, blood some new players but 10 changes?? That's just ridiculous. May I also remind you that this was also the man who said that he could find 15 black players who could play just as well as the winning world cup team. Other than the ones that Jake found, who else has he introduced? Time will tell I guess.

Chris 7/5/2009 11:06:03 PM
The issue is he is erratic in the way he operates - yesterday's game was a disaster. How can he change the team so radically. I don't think he is mature enough as a coach. He keeps making decisions that are wierd!! The administrators have a lot to answer for!

Runner 7/6/2009 8:10:26 AM
Coaching is a little bit of the luck of the draw in my opinion. Sure you have to couch but mostly your success is related to the quality of players. Getting the combination, didn’t happen this weekend. People will always criticise and rather that concentrating on the job, out comes the old fateful race card. We already have Malema, we don’t need another. To the criticisers out there. Keep on criticizing and to PDV keep on doing what you do. The criticizers will keep PDV on his toes and PDV will keep the nation happy. Just remember, PDV is not too black and there are many other black coaches out there that will line up for that position and PDV knows that.

Jacob Showermaster 7/6/2009 8:43:30 AM
I think PDV should be suspended until he loses that irritating accent from the cape flats. Next he'll be walking around with missing teeth. Its not good for the countries reputation. We must send him to ellucution classes until he can speak better. In the meantime we should get Francois Pienaar as the coach. Then he can teach the boks to dance like ballerinas. We just need to get a sponsor for the KY jelly

Will 7/6/2009 9:56:35 AM
I cannot understand our rugby or sport culture in this country. The coach can only so much. At practices the coach and captain will decide on a game plan and then prctise accordingly. The selectors then choose the team who they think will be able to play accordingly, but the rest is up to the players on the field. The coach is not on the field, so he does not have much influence on the game, but the players do. I beleive that Pieter De Villiers should recieve praise for the way he is backing his players, and that he is getting the results. Shame on the SA supporters, who coplain when we win or lose. If you can do a better job, then apply for the caoching job when PDV's contract ends. Let us see if you can do better. Put your money where your mouth is. Congratulations to the Boks and Pieter for a great series win over the B&I Lions, now go and do the same in the Tri - Nations.

realist4sa 7/6/2009 10:55:49 AM
Don't you think its so amazing that blacks think that they are not racists and that its only whites? You see Mr. Buntu Marubungwana, Pieter receives a massive salary every month whilst many of us don't. We pay R1140.00 to see Pieter make 10 changes and lose against a Lions team we could've tamed. You see MR, it's about respect, which he lacks. He's got a "God given talent" remember! "In 1996 when they won the Afcon", yes, with a coach who respected the public and vice versa. The people who pay the ticket prices pays the salary of the coach. "he won at the house of pain" and so did the French just two weekends ago. He won it with an established team and so did Nick Mallet in 98 with an established team. SO WHAT? Does that now make him a great coach? "Is PDV a bad coach or a man that is not so skilful with the queen's language?" What a childlike question. He didn't win the Lions series, the team did. He was no part of it! The team has more influence on themselves than the coach. Give him a team to build from scrap, thats where the real test lies with regards to your coaching abilities! I say make Eddie Jones Springbok coach and you will see a team who will be feared and at the same time build new experienced talented players. Point is, maybe YOU should pay R1140 for a ticket! Have you ever been to a rugby match? I've been to all of the Bafana matches during the confed cup. So please, prove your argument with fact and not fiction. Ohterwise go and watch Transformers 2!

Zee 7/6/2009 11:02:46 AM
Guys please stop with the "inheritance of JW's team". Jake White was a great coach that won us the world cup yes, but there were numerous failings before we got there! All of criticised him, and his plan came together in the end. Why can't we do the same for Div? He needs to get a spokesman I agree, but he is doing a fine job so far, with a fairly impressive win ratio. Judge him on results! Some of the comments here are fuelled with racism, from both sides! Relax guys - our team are in pretty good shape and he will be judged on the forthcoming results.

Saffa 7/6/2009 11:26:02 AM
Newsflash people, as national coach what he says is very important. If it was not we could have appointed Malema and still have the same results. I'll say it again. Rather shut his mouth and do his job. It is enough that I have to listen to all the nonsense spewing out of the mouth of Malema and company. Definitely do not need it from our coach. Anyhow, this past weekends performance proved my point, hey Buntu?

BP 7/6/2009 11:38:16 AM
If we are talking soley about resluts surely part of the job spec as a national coach is to enhance the reputation of the national team on and off the field. This is where PDV brings himself and the national team into disrepute. As whiny and one-eyed as the british media canj be sometimes when every sport journelist (read any online sports column)around the world are laughiung at us we need to take stock of what we expect from our national coach. If they want to persist with PDV as coach then get us a spokesperson (where the hell has our team manager been in all this) and let PDV coach. Maybe he excells without the side show.
Come on the boks.BP

vernon 7/6/2009 6:46:51 PM
Whats all this nonsense about snor having a spokesman. Coaching the national team is a job (a well paid one) just like any other. All jobs have key performance areas (kpa's). I would think that speaking on behalf of the team and the country is a kpa for any professional coach. As such the person appointed to the position should have proven competence in this kpa - or he should NOT get the job. This is nothing else but HR management 101.

If SA rugby is serious about appointing a spokesperson for snor then this person's salary should come from the salary being paid to snor.

Blitz 7/7/2009 12:28:02 PM
Snorre ...... great stand-up comedian..... coach - I'm not so sure.
Let's give him a chance and see what happens in the Tri Nations

Sgonondo 7/7/2009 1:58:45 PM
My brother you just stole my words...i think its a skin coulour issue. Sport is a game of luck and so many times Boks won by luck, remember the final of WC when England score a try and it was dissalowed? Not to take credit from them but they did deserve to win. All i saying is whities must stop complaining for a change and accept that we all one and we South Africans, lets build this nation of ours, look at what Americans did, they voted a coloured though there's many whites.

cindy 7/7/2009 2:01:36 PM
what does colour of skin have to do with anything? show me one true springbok supporter who does not cheer when Habana gets the ball.. not likely..! and we don't care that he's not white, he's one of the best players in our team. black/white, sfw?!? they deserve a better coach, someone who won't stand for such blatant nastiness as the SB issue, not one who tries to make light of it!

Sgonondo 7/7/2009 2:03:23 PM
In hear voices that the Tri Nationsw ill be a decider for him, NEWSFLASH, he wwont be the first and the last coach to loose the Tri Nations so it doesnt count. He'll be the coach until he retires.

reknaw 7/7/2009 2:05:49 PM
read it backwards,he is in the job due to his colour ,he should be coaching a boys second team in Boland,why are people in goverment cometing on national coaches ie today Trvor manuael supports him what the heck that idiot more than likely does not know a thing about rugby, the unfortunate demise of the last decent SA sport team has started,long live PDV

Helium McSnor 7/7/2009 3:56:29 PM
No matter how much we moan and suggest that PdV be replaced it wont happen. We are stuck with P 'the snor' dV. He was appointed because he was BEE correct and not for his knowledge or skill at coaching a winning side. John and the likes I believe are keeping the Boks together. Helium McSnor is just there for fronting. Cant exactly let everyone know that he is no doubt being paid a fortune for getting other people to do his work for him! Maybe John should finally retire and take over coaching the Boks. Now before everyone goes off about the above - no I am not racist, I hate everyone equally!!

More Truth 7/7/2009 4:05:41 PM
Maybe if the idiots with chips on their shoulders stopped focusing on race they would accept the man is a national embarrassment and an absolute idiot - being carried by coaching staff and senior players despite his ignorance and continuous attempts to throw away games to show he is in control. He is a joke and would be regardless of colour or even if he had a translator and spoke his natural language - as the writer seems to imply its not english!!

chameleon 7/8/2009 7:17:26 AM
PDV is the only one playing the race card. Don't dish it if you can't take it!

Jill 7/8/2009 10:33:45 AM
Firstly, Yuvraj is once again playing the tired, old victim card and whining about colour. Get over your self. And what is a "DUTCMAN"? The players have years of experience and they won the game. In this week's YOU there are 2 pages of crap he came up with. He is an embarrassment and if I never see or hear him again it will be too soon!

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