Rugby: Mitchell targeted for helping Springboks

Former All Blacks coach John Mitchell presented the Springboks with their jerseys prior to the test against the Wallabies last week. Photo / Getty Images

SYDNEY - Former All Blacks coach John Mitchell has ruffled Australian feathers after he handed out the Springboks' jerseys and gave a stirring speech before Saturday's Tri-Nations rugby test.

The revelation after the Boks' 32-25 victory in Perth raised the ire of former Wallabies captain Mark Ella, who questioned whether Mitchell should be providing ammunition for the opposition as an Australian-based Super 14 coach.

"I was surprised to hear John Mitchell had presented the Springboks jerseys," Ella told The Australian newspaper.

"He has a responsibility to develop Australian rugby and his total allegiance should be with the Wallabies."

A beaming Boks winger Bryan Habana let the cat out of the bag after the Subiaco Oval test, saying Mitchell's "stern words" helped motivate the South Africans as they all but sealed the Tri-Nations Cup after four years in the All Blacks' clutches.

Mitchell is employed by the Western Force, not by the Australian Rugby Union.

The Wallabies squad included six players - James O'Connor, Ryan Cross, Matt Giteau, Richard Brown, David Pocock and Drew Mitchell - who Mitchell coached at the Force this year.

Force chief executive Vern Reid said Rugby WA gave Mitchell permission to hand out the Springboks jerseys on the proviso he received the approval of Wallabies coach Robbie Deans, who was Mitchell's assistant with the All Blacks at the 2003 World Cup.

"My view is that it is an honour to present an international team's jumper," Reid said.

"John asked me for permission. I said it was fine as long as he asked Robbie Deans and he was happy.

"No team wins a game because of a two-minute speech a day before a test.

"It's a brick in the wall, but it doesn't turn victory into losing and a loss into victory."

Deans confirmed yesterday he was made aware of Mitchell presenting the Springboks jerseys.

Two other former Wallabies captains, Simon Poidevin and Andrew Slack, supported Mitchell's right to hand out the jerseys.

Said Slack: "They could ask Charles Manson to hand out the jerseys and it wouldn't offend my sensibilities.

"It would not make me think that John Mitchell was not committed to the Australian side."

- NZPA