AUCKLAND: After South Africa's quarter-final defeat against Australia, Springboks coach Peter de Villiers has stepped down. The announcement of his departure came after the Wallabies won 11-9 in Wellington. Villiers said “there is a time to come and a time to go and the journey I think for me is also over.” Australia sealed a win within the last 10 minutes of the game and will now go on to play the All Blacks who defeated Argentina 33-10. Despite having more than 50 percent possession, the South Africans were unable to seize key moments and infiltrate the Wallabies defense. Villiers reign came to an end on the same night as the test career of skipper John Smit. “It was a brilliant journey, something that none of you guys can take away from me. To work with people like this (Smit), people who are passionate about their country, people who put their body on the line and try to bring hope for the poor people back at home,” said Villiers. Villiers started coaching the Springboks in 2008 after replacing winning coach Jake White. His career has been riddled with comments and controversy ever since. It is unknown as of yet who will be replacing Villiers. BM
