De Villiers Future as Boks Coach up in the Air

September 3 - Local newspapers are speculating that Springbok coach, Peter de Villiers nailed the last nail in his own coffin with his public support of Bulls prop Bees Roux.

Roux was charged with beating a black police officer to death on Friday in Pretoria, although he claimed that he had acted in self defence when he thought that he was being robbed.

De Villiers, known for his outspoken manner, said after the incident that his team "supports Bees Roux 100 percent."

"Nothing must stand in our way between now and the World Cup and the players have to be strong enough to deal with all kids of psychological issues and domestic circumstances," he told the media.

"For instance, how will the Bees Roux tragedy affect those who know him well? We must deal with everything that comes out way," he said. "We feel for all South Africans, especially rugby players, and while we do not defend the act, we sympathize with the tragedy. It is an unfortunate reality that these things can happen to anybody. The team supports Bess 100%, not on the deed, but rather on the circumstances that led to the situation happening."

Some reports have said that de Villiers will be removed as coach for his comments, regardless of the result in the Springbok's Tri Nations Test against Australia in Bloemfontein this weekend.

In the meantime, South African Rugby Union officials would not comment on the coach's latest remarks until after Saturday's match.

De Villiers is a controversial figure, who recently escaped penalty at a SANZAR disciplinary hearing after he subtlety accused referees for giving the New Zealand team preferential treatment in a series of home games during the Tri Nations series.

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