New Boks coach

Jake White took over as Springbok coach yesterday with the task of restoring the fortunes of one of the great rugby nations.

Poor results on the pitch, off-field scandals and the very public and painful growing pains of a new administration have left South African rugby supporters dazed and confused.

The Springboks have won only five of 30 matches against the world's top four since the end of 1999 and Nick Mallett's successors Harry Viljoen (eight wins from 16) and Rudolf Straeuli (12 from 23) both resigned.

White will also have to pick a new captain after incumbent Corne Krige followed through with an earlier decision to retire from international rugby at the end of 2003.