Springbok coach

White's involvement at every level of South African rugby gave him a unique insight into the game that not many other coaches enjoy, and it almost seemed natural when he was given the role of national coach in 2004.

When he was appointed as head coach of the national team, South African rugby was in turmoil, coming off an early exit from the 2003 World Cup, racked by internal conflicts within their national federation, and rocked by the Kamp Staaldraad scandal.

Furthermore, defections such as Clyde Rathbone, the captain of the U-21 world champions, to Australia, further weakened the position.