SARU acting managing director Andy Marinos is pleased that De Villiers has improved on key points brought up in their last review following the series win over the British & Irish Lions, including improving his strained relationship with the media.

"He has to have three reviews a year, and despite the team's success, it will be no different in this cycle," he told Johannesburg-based newspaper, The Times. "There has been a significant improvement in a number of areas that were of concern after the Lions series. I'm delighted with the job Peter's done, but there is a formal review process to go through."

Press speculation had linked former Wales and British & Irish Lions prop Young with the post following Dean Richards' departure from the club in the wake of 'Bloodgate'. Now, Young has reaffirmed his commitment with finishing the job he has started with the Blues.

"I am at the Blues until I sense I can't take it any further or the chairman believes I can't take it any further," Young told The Western Mail. "As soon as one job is available people say that I'm looking to jump ship. But you realise there's quite a bit to do here at the minute.

"I want to get this back up and running, get us back to where we were. I've 100% confidence and belief in the players. We are not playing well at the minute. We are not going to pretend any different, but I am sure we will be there at the end of the season."

Barkley, who re-joined Bath this summer after a season with Gloucester, places his recovery time at around three weeks after beginning to run on a spring-loaded floor.

"When you make a mistake you have to own up to it, to have the courage to square up to it and say sorry," he said.