Jake White in his new role as Brumbies head coach © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Peter De Villiers | Jake White

Former Springboks coach Jake White wants to return to coach South Africa.

White led South Africa to victory in the 2007 World Cup but his contract was not renewed following the tournament. And while he was recently appointed as the new Brumbies coach, he is eager to return to the helm of the national team.

South Africa were knocked out of this year's tournament in New Zealand as they were beaten 11-9 by Australia on Sunday.

"Being at the World Cup and experiencing the tournament has re-ignited my desire to get back into international rugby," White told the Cape Argus in Auckland. "I'd like to make myself available for the Bok job."

During his time in charge White also secured the 2004 Tri-Nations title before leading the Springboks to the 2007 World Cup triumph.

"The [Springboks] team I coached didn't just win the World Cup, we stayed in the top three [of the IRB world rankings] for eight years and I don't think anyone in South Africa is better qualified than I am to take the Springboks back to that level."

Peter de Villiers is set to step down from his role having taken over from White following the 2007 World Cup. White, who has been critical of de Villiers in the past, slammed his successor, and possible predecessor, for failing to plan for the future and introduce young players into the set-up.

"[Legendary Australian cricketer] Don Bradman always said that a coach should leave a team in a better condition than he found it in, but I don't feel that Peter de Villiers has focused on long-term planning and development," said White. "John Smit, Victor Matfield, Danie Rossouw and Fourie du Preez are all moving on and the reality is that the next coach will be starting from scratch."