Cape Town - Former Springbok prop Rob Kempson says it’s time for Allister Coetzee to “move on” as national coach.
Coetzee is fighting to keep his job after two tumultuous seasons in charge of the national team.
During his tenure the Boks won only 11 of 25 Tests for a meagre 44% win-record.
Kempson, who played 37 Tests for the Springboks between 1998 and 2003, told Reuters that it was time for SA Rugby to look at hiring an overseas coach.
“There is not a shadow of doubt they (SA Rugby) should be looking at other options. It’s unfortunate for Allister, but it’s time for him to move on,” Kempson said.
“I think they should go for someone from outside, (New Zealanders) Robbie Deans and John Mitchell are two that come to mind. Why wouldn’t they go for people who have proven expertise of putting teams into position where they can win Test matches?
“But I don’t think it will happen in my lifetime, the South African way of thinking is that they wouldn’t look outside of their square box.”
Several reports have indicated that SA Rugby is eager to replace Coetzee, but the coach is seemingly unwilling to step down.
A newspaper report last weekend indicated that Coetzee sought legal advice regarding the merits of his dismissal.
Rapport reported that SA Rugby has a verbal agreement with Coetzee over a 65% win-mandate, but the coach and his lawyers are confident it cannot be used as a reason for dismissal.
The review process of Coetzee’s performance, that was supposed to take place last Wednesday, never took place, the Afrikaans newspaper further reported.
It has been delayed until January 16.
Via a press statement released last Friday, SA Rugby refrained from commenting on the matter until the New Year.
"To assist media in their reporting and in light of considerable speculation, please be advised that SA Rugby will not be in a position to respond to questions regarding that speculation on the coaching of the national team until the New Year," the statement read.
"A number of meetings and reviews are in progress on all national teams after which plans for all teams in 2018 will be confirmed."