Springbok coach Peter de Villiers and captain Victor Matfield backed their "expansive" approach, despite a dour reception from the Durban faithful following their 27-15 Tri-Nations loss to Australia on Saturday.

At a post-match media conference, the South African coach and captain took stock of their fourth Tri-Nations defeat in five outings, making for a disgruntled supporting public who are clearly having doubts about the new coach's structures.

"They do have the right to be unhappy," De Villiers said of the booing, which resonated around Absa Stadium after his side's rattled performance.

"South Africans are a proud nation. They want to be winners, they want to back a winning side.

"One big message that we want to get out there is that we will never go out and lose a game on purpose."

De Villiers again backed his more expansive playing style to the traditionally conservative Bok approach, which he claims is necessary under the new experimental law variations (ELVs).

‘Give us some time’

But many South Africans are wondering why the Springboks need a new style, when the old one secured them a World Cup.

"Rome wasn't built in one day, so I would ask that the public still give us some time," he said.

"The laws have changed... you look at how we were caught fast asleep in the first half of the Super 14 by not changing quick enough to the laws.

"I believe that we are on the right track and the players do believe it, we just have to get used to it."

De Villiers believed that the amount of Test and Super 14 rugby his players have endured this year may have been a factor on the park, contributing to poor execution and decision-making.

"I recognise the guys are a bit flat due to the amount of rugby they have played," said De Villiers.

"We have only pride left to play for. The players must do justice to themselves and to their country," he added.

Players back the coach

South African captain Victor Matfield reflected on another game that saw the Boks make a plethora of handling errors, consistently losing first phase possession and generally lacking any type of gameplan, although supported his coach's individualistic approach.

"Yes, we believe in it (De Villiers' approach) and I think we worked hard this whole week on exactly what we want to do on the field," said Matfield.

"It's just about execution. The chances are there but we're making too many mistakes. For international players that's unacceptable."

Matfield also felt the crowd booing was "understandable", although his side would be feeling a significantly larger portion of the disappointment.

"We're the Springboks, we're the world champs and we lost two games in a row.

"I think if you go to the change room and you look at the players they'd be feeling worse than the crowd out there.

"It's our jobs, it's our work, it's our passion, it's our lives and it's unacceptable for us to play like that," Matfield added.

  • Should the Boks be given more time? Leave your comments below!

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