Mains: Viljoen resignation inevitable
January 19, 2002

Laurie Mains, the former All Black and Cats Super 12 rugby coach, said on Saturday that Harry Viljoen's resignation was hardly a shock and predicted that South African rugby would soon enjoy a resurgence.

Viljoen resigned as Springbok coach on Saturday, citing off-the-field media pressures as the primary reason for his decision.

"Given his history, it really doesn't come as a surprise,"commented Mains in Dunedin where he is preparing the Highlanders for the 2002 Super 12 season.

"I think this is a very positive turning point in South African rugby."

Viljoen took over from Nick Mallett as national coach in 2000 and was punted as the saviour of South African rugby. In the 15 Tests he took charge of the Boks, they showed scant evidence of improvement and there were even a few suggestions that the national side had regressed.

Before taking over as the national coach, Viljoen coached Transvaal (now the Lions), the Sharks and Western Province. He resigned from all three rugby unions.

"Whether they choose Rudolph Straeuli or Gert Smal as the nextcoach, South Africa will be well served," added Mains, who coached the Cats to successive Super 12 semi final berths in 2000 and 2001.

"With either as coach, South Africa will once again become a force in world rugby."

At this stage, Straeuli is the front-runner to take over the Springbok side. - Sapa

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