Stephen Nell

Bloemfontein - Springbok rugby is in a serious crisis with the World Cup in New Zealand kicking off in just over a year from now.

The South African Rugby Union (SARU) was measured in its response on Sunday after the Springboks had lost for the fifth time in six matches in this year’s Tri-Nations.

There will be a standard review with coach Peter de Villiers later this month. This will include all aspects of the Springboks’ performance.

“All rugby followers are extremely disappointed with results in the Tri-Nations, as are the Springbok team and management, of course,” said SARU president Oregan Hoskins.

“We take the situation very seriously, but there is a process in place and we will follow that through.”

Emotions ran high in Bloemfontein on Saturday, with the Bok coaching staff of De Villiers, Dick Muir and Gary Gold being jeered by spectators.

“Sort out the backline, you p**s,” was one of the insults apparently shouted at Muir.

Bryan Habana, who was named International Rugby Board (IRB) player of the year in 2007, was jeered for his mistakes and sometimes the recipient of sarcastic applause when he did something right.

SARU are keeping the date of the review a secret and are only prepared to divulge that it will take place “by the end of the month”.

It is believed that national teams manager Andy Marinos is overseas on SANZAR business and his input is regarded as important.

SARU did say in a statement that there would be “formal discussions” with Springbok coach Peter de Villiers about some of his reported comments.

De Villiers caused a storm of controversy by saying that the team supported Blue Bulls prop Bees Roux, who is being accused of murdering a Tshwane Metro Police officer.

Hoskins had written to the policeman’s family to express SARU’s support and condolences.

There was speculation last week that the comments about Roux would be the end of De Villiers, but that was never SARU’s view.

While De Villiers did upset his employer with his comments, he could still count on the support last week of the majority of the country’s influential rugby bosses to keep his job until the 2011 World Cup.

Since winning the Tri-Nations last year, South Africa have won only six of their last 13 Tests.

The Bok team that lost to Australia at the weekend was also the most experienced in history in terms of Tests played.

However, it took Australia only 25 minutes to notch a bonus point try. The 22 tries that South Africa conceded in the tournament this year is also the most in the history of the tournament.

“It seemed too easy for them to attack and they cut us at will,” Springbok captain John Smit said after the game.

“I can make excuses, but it’s only because we’re coming second that we have to give excuses. We’re off our best and have work to do.”

Smit and several other senior Boks like Habana, Victor Matfield, Schalk Burger, Jaque Fourie, Morné Steyn, Pierre Spies, Danie Rossouw and Gurthrö Steenkamp will now enter a conditioning phase.

One of the reasons that have been put forward for South Africa’s poor performances is that top players have played too much since last year and are fatigued.

South Africa start the defence of their world crown in New Zealand on September 11 next year against Wales in Wellington.