Race issues concern de Villiers

Peter de Villiers feels that South Africa’s political history is still hampering the national team’s development in the country.

The Springbok boss believes too much emphasis continues to be placed on the colour of a player’s skin, making it difficult for previously disadvantaged players to make their mark.

“There are still too many coaches that are not prepared to give black players a fair opportunity,” De Villiers told the newspaper Son.

“As with black coaches, black rugby players have to work 10 times as hard before they are given a chance to show what they are worth.”

De Villiers, who is currently preparing himself for a tough two-month period with the arrival of the British and Irish Lions, insists faith and fear are very important to coaching.

He continued: “It is my job to identify talent and to believe in it. Players must have enough faith in their abilities and not be afraid to express themselves on a rugby field.

“If a coach is one-dimensional in his thinking, he will never be successful.”