With newspapers, websites, and the unstoppable force that is Twitter all abuzz with speculation regarding the future of Peter de Villiers and his coaching team, Dan’s World sums up who might end up where now that the Springboks are home, and the real countdown to the World Cup has begun...

Peter de Villiers: Did the win against England save the coach’s job? There’s a strong belief amongst the game’s close observers that it did; if so, the South African Rugby Union is placing an awful lot of value one on game, and by extension downplaying a Tri-Nations that included the two teams looking most dangerous in world rugby right now (outside of Scotland...). But it was a standout performance from South Africa at Twickenham, and with a host of star talent set to return, and SARU well aware of the political fallout that firing De Villiers would provoke, expect Movember’s inadvertent champion to keep rugby press conferences entertaining through to New Zealand next year.

Gary Gold: Last week’s rugby press centred on news that the two Springboks assistant coaches were on their way out; swift denials usually suggest that such stories have at least a shred of truth, which won’t have Gold sleeping easy. And that’s unfortunate, because as well as being one of the most passionate, dedicated students of the game, Gold’s also overseen a forward pack that was immense against Ireland and England. His RugbyIQ blog is essential reading for anoraks of the game, and illustrates the rugby resource the Boks currently have; would be disappointing to see him depart.

Dick Muir: The more vulnerable of the two assistants after modest showings from the Springbok backline this year, although in his defence, the backline selections for the European touring squad were bizarre. Couple that with key injuries, and Muir was always going to face a challenge getting his backline going, but his innate desire to run the ball has been at odds with a more natural South African game. The immensely likeable former centre had a hole-in-one at the Old Course at St. Andrews; that might turn out to be his fondest memory of this particular tour.

Rudolf Straeuli: Straeuli's a perfectly pleasant guy, but honestly, South Africa: how on earth did his name sneak to the surface in a discussion about Springbok coaching? Did the disaster of 2003, and the ghastly training camp that preceded it, not leave enough of a scar? And was the first thought that sprung to mind after defeat in Edinburgh really, 'The Boks looked like they hadn't spent enough time cowering naked in holes'? Forgive the man for a massive error of judgement with Staldraad? Certainly. Forget that this is a man who honestly thought it was a good idea? Um, no.

Harry Viljoen: Italian suits, perfectly coiffed hair, and an approach to running rugby that makes Dick Muir look an arch-conservative — how did Viljoen never succeed as national coach... The man's crazy about the game, certainly, and his desire to keep ball in hand makes for a rugby aesthetic that’s lovely to watch. It's also massively impractical to start complex backline moves from behind your own tryline; not something we really have to worry about, though. Viljoen's had his moment, and discovered just how much fun the media can be when you're coaching a losing side, and using tactics everyone's condemning. Expect the Mayor of Hermanus to politely decline any invitation to get involved again.

Carel Du Plessis: Another lovely guy; another poor Springbok record. Du Plessis's name has cropped up everywhere this week, but the only person who hasn’t been talking about his possible comeback, is Carel Du Plessis. The partnership with Gert Smal worked in Cape Town, but at Springbok level success proved more elusive. Now happily ensconced in business, expect Du Plessis to remain there happily.

John Mitchell: A dark horse here, but the work he's already done with the Lions (and the rave reviews he’s got from everyone at Ellis Park), Mitchell has made it clear that he’s quite a coach. Personality clashes in Perth also reminded the rugby world that he doesn’t gel with everyone; there would be a delightful irony to having him on board for a World Cup in New Zealand.

Nick Mallett: Two camps here: can't wait to have him back, or never want to see him again. Loud, brash, and with plenty of self-belief, Mallett isn't everyone's cup of tea, but he’s an excellent coach, and is pick of the contenders for an ambulance job on the Springboks — but for the fact that the South African Rugby Union would terrified of a man who works on his own terms, and isn't afraid to speak his mind about anything. Nice though, won't happen.

Jake White: Why would Jake want to get involved again? He's won a World Cup, created his own legacy, and only has everything to lose by taking the job again, surely? Apparently not for Jake, who's made it clear he'd like to be involved again, with the intimation being that he'd take it tomorrow if it were offered. No doubting his coaching credentials, nor his understanding of the game, but an uneasy departure last time round would make his return something of a surprise.

Eddie Jones: Growing rumours that the Australian could return to a team he's worked with before to shore up a backline brimming with talent, but always strong on intent or execution. His magical touch has worked before, and the players like and respect him; Dick Muir will be hoping somebody else snaps him up before he has a chance to get anywhere near the Boks.

Rassie Erasmus: Deliberately underplaying his role at Newlands, where the trio of Coetzee, Proudfoot and Fleck have been the men in the headlines, the former Cheetahs man has still been linked to some sort of Springbok role for much of the year, Province being the stumbling block to Erasmus joining Team De Villiers. But there’s whispered suggestion that in a World Cup year, Province might relent, and loan out their coaching svengali for a technical role; he won’t be taking over, but Rassie could well be on the flight to New Zealand next year.

Jomo Sono: Any discussion about a national coach has to include Jomo. On past experience, with the big-bellied one in charge, we’d arrive in New Zealand with an army of bus drivers, technical assistants, baggage handlers and security advisers, who all just happened to be old mates or second cousins of Sono. But would he take the job? Without doubt.