SANZAR may take action against Peter de Villiers for his controversial claims © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Peter De Villiers

Tournaments/Tours: Tri Nations

Teams: New Zealand | South Africa

SANZAR will further investigate South Africa coach Peter de Villiers' conspiracy theory claims that referees were helping New Zealand for the sake of next year's World Cup, with a misconduct hearing due in the next week.

De Villiers has been issued with a notice of alleged misconduct over comments to Australia's Rugby Club television programme that the All Blacks had been assisted in their two Tri-Nations victories over his Springboks side to help built support for the World Cup.

De Villiers said on July 21: "I've got my own observations about the last two tests (against New Zealand), and I can't say it in public. But we do have a World Cup in New Zealand next year, and maybe it was the right thing for them to win the games so they can attract more people to the games next year."

SANZAR chief executive Steve Tew said: "Having considered the response from South Africa we have determined that Peter de Villiers' comments may constitute a breach of the SANZAR Code of Conduct and warrant further consideration by a SANZAR Judicial Officer."

The South African Rugby Union says it will make no comment on the matter until after the judicial process ends.

The news further increases the pressure on de Villiers, who has seen his side well-beaten in their opening three Tri-Nations fixtures with their tactics appearing outdated compared to the high tempo attacking style favoured by Australia and New Zealand. De Villiers has received the short term backing of his bosses after a meeting with SARU officials.

"He has our full support and we are confident that we can quickly be put back on track," SARU technical committee chairman James Stoffberg said in a statement. "We had a very productive meeting and there are areas where Peter will present us with his plans for the future, and we will offer our support in realising them."