Storm clouds gather in SA rugby

Storm clouds are again gathering behind the scenes in South African rugby while the Springboks hope to beat the All Blacks in New Zealand for the first time in ten years.

However, another political battle seems to be simmering. SA Rugby Union president Oregan Hoskins could be in hot water over remarks that were allegedly made during a meeting with the parliamentary sports portfolio committee.

De Villiers said at a news conference after Saturday's Newlands test against Italy, "What we need now is a country that believes in these guys the way I believe in them."

The Springboks, who had beaten Wales in a two-test series on the previous Saturdays, made it three-in-a-row under De Villiers's coaching when they defeated Italy 26-0 on a wet ground.

"It's tough playing New Zealand on their own grounds but we're going in a positive frame of mind in that we don't fear anyone," De Villiers said.

"We have the ammunition. It does not matter which players we choose because these guys all know what they are doing.

"I'm not saying we're going to win but we'll do very well.

"You know, South Africa said before our (recent) matches, "Hell, Jake White is gone; that black guy (De Villiers) will never make it; let's wait for the Welsh to come.

"Now they're saying it was just another team; let's wait for the Tri-Nations.

"So, let's wait and see. We are a team on a mission. We just ask South Africa to give us a chance; to give the players a chance

"These guys also have families and they try hard. Nobody said they'd be perfect but they will always give their best for this country," the coach said.

But other issues are looming in SA rugby.

In a summary of the sport portfolio committee meeting last week - published on the website www.pmg.org.za - Hoskins is quoted as having said the SA Broadcasting Corporation had told him during a meeting they would not televise Currie Cup rugby even if it were given to them.

The national broadcaster apparently prefers "to broadcast soap operas".

This was allegedly said during a discussion about broadcast rights.

In South Africa, rugby is televised live on SuperSport. The SA Rugby Union has also sold, in a controversial move early this year, future broadcast rights to SuperSport.

According to the report on the website Hoskins also said Heyneke Meyer had been the first choice to be appointed as Springbok coach last January.

De Villiers was second choice and was appointed "in the interest of transformation".

The chairperson of the committee that conducted the interviews with the candidates for the position of national coach, Mike Stofile, is said to be angry.

Stofile, whom Hoskins defeated when the Saru president was chosen earlier this year, has requested to appear before the committee.

Cedrick Frolick, vice-chair of the sport portfolio committee, says Stofile and the SABC's chief of content, Mvuso Mebebe, will appear before the committee on Tuesday.

"Butana Komphela (chair of the committee) has sent a message to Saru, saying there are people who feel Hoskins's remarks were incorrect," Frolick said on Sunday.

"Pandora's box will be open if lies were told in parliament," he added.