Peter de Villiers has come in for some stinging criticism within South Africa after a poor Tri-Nations campaign © Getty Images

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South African Rugby Union (SARU) president Oregan Hoskins insists that he has been consistent in his handling of Springbok boss Peter de Villiers but claims that he will not be pressurised into sacking the under-fire coach.

There were widespread calls for de Villiers to be removed from his position after a Tri-Nations campaign which saw the reigning world champions record just one win from six games. In addition, the always outspoken de Villiers twice courted controversy during the tournament by first questioning the integrity of referees before then causing outrage within his homeland by publicly expressing his support for Bulls prop Bees Roux, who has been charged with the murder of a policeman.

There is a perception that de Villiers is being afforded special treatment as the SARU has, in the eyes of many pundits, fired coaches for far less. However, Hoskins is standing by his management of the situation and insists that all issues arising from this year's Tri-Nations will be addressed in de Villiers' review on September 28.

"There is consistency," Hoskins claimed in a Q&A with BOKzine in response to the suggestion that de Villiers has been treated lightly. "The coach was reviewed at the end of the 2008 and 2009 Tri-Nations and is being reviewed once again.

"He has previously been called to account for his comments and the subject will again form part of his review. He is being treated no differently to his predecessor who was also reviewed at the end of some indifferent Tri-Nations campaigns."

Jake White, who led the Boks to World Cup glory in 2007, has already put himself forward to succeed de Villiers and there is a groundswell of support for the former coach to be handed the reigns. However, Hoskins insists that he will not be swayed by either the media or the general public.

"The important thing here is to turn around our results and there are obviously lots of opinions about what the principle issues have been and those you mention have been on our agenda," he said. "Four years ago many people thought the answer was to sack Jake White and we resisted those calls; four years on and we have to review all our options once more."

Hoskins also revealed that he has already spoken with de Villiers in relation to the comments he made regarding Roux.

"This is a subject we have raised with the coach and both he and I have written to the family of Mr Mogale to express our personal condolences. However, a perception was created and we have addressed this issue with the coach and are discussing remedies with him," he said.

When pressed on whether he takes full responsibility for de Villers' actions and outbursts, Hoskins declared: "As the president of the South African Rugby Union, the buck really does stop with me."