Peter de Villiers steps down as Springboks coach after quarter-final debacle: Rugby World Cup
Springboks head coach, Peter de Villiers, has announced his resignation after his side ended their Rugby World Cup journey in the very first match of the knock-out stages. The defending champs Boks received a defeat of 9-11 in the third quarter-final of
RWC 2011 at the hands of Wallabies on October 9 in Wellington and packed their bags for home in a disappointing way.
De Villiers, who was under stern criticism from the start of Tri-nations Cup 2011, accepted the responsibility of their early exit from the global showpiece and left the office, shortly after the defeat, he was occupying since 2007. He described his journey
with the Springboks as incredible and said he has enjoyed fair share of time with his national side and tried to deliver his best to the team.
In his farewell speech to the media, Peter de Villiers said that his journey with the Springboks is over now and wished future successes to his boys. The outgoing coach hoped that the services he rendered during his tenure will be remembered positively.
He also said that, “It has been a brilliant journey for me, something you guys [the media] can never take away from me. The players have put their bodies on the line for the poor people back at home who do not have the privileges you guys have.”
Resolute Div also expressed his disappointment over their bad performance against Wallabies and said that he was expecting an improved effort from his side. He stated that, “The atmosphere in the dressing room is three notches lower than a funeral. We never
expected our World Cup to be over. We did not take our chances and as this is not the time to discuss the referee – credit to Australia.”
Peter de Villiers overtook the responsibility of Springboks coaching after the exit of Jack White who led the side to the world title of 2007. During his whole career with the Boks, De Villiers has tried to bring some innovation and versatility to his side.
Furthermore, he has helped his side with a number of remarkable victories during the last four years.
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