Springbok coach shortlist revealed
CAPE TOWN, South Africa -- South African rugby union officials have confirmed their four-man shortlist for the vacant national team coach's job.
The candidates are former coach Andre Markgraaff, 1995 World Cup winner Chester Williams, Blue Bulls provincial coach Heyneke Meyer and Border provincial coach Dumisani Mhani.
The shortlist, which is the same as that initially announced on December 10, was confirmed at a news conference after a specially convened board meeting.
The meeting was called by former Springbok captain and manager Morne du Plessis and three other directors who were apparently unhappy with the way the list was originally announced.
That led to speculation that Stade Francais coach Nick Mallett, who led the Springboks between 1997 and 2000, or a foreign coach might be added to the list.
"I would not say the meeting was fiery but a lot of things were said and we debated a lot of issues," said South African RFU president Brian van Rooyen.
"There were no votes taken. It was a consensus and the announcement of the new coach is expected shortly after January 30," added Van Rooyen.
Markgraaff had initially withdrawn his candidacy after the death of his brother but said on Monday that he wanted to be considered for the post.
