White called home to explain poor showing

Springbok coach Jake White has been summoned to Cape Town to explain his team's inept performances to South African Rugby's Presidents Council.

White was on Thursday "invited" to attend next Wednesday's meeting of top rugby officials.

However, SA Rugby effectively ruled out sacking him as early as next week, with Springbok communications manager Vusi Kama indicating that the beleaguered coach would return to England the next day to prepare a Springbok XV for their match against a World XV on December 3.

The Presidents Council would make a recommendation regarding White's position to SA Rugby's board, which will meet in George on December 8 and 9.

South Africa have lost the first two matches of their end-of-season tour to Ireland and England, bringing the Boks' record to a dismal four wins from 11 Tests this year.

However, the Springboks have been below full strength on tour because of a decision to rest key players.

Speculation has been rife that Blue Bulls coach Heyneke Meyer will replace White. However, this was denied by SA Rugby president Oregan Hos-kins.

White's relationship with SA Rugby was irreparably damaged on the eve of a Test against France earlier this year when he indicated that he could take a job with England's Rugby Football Union if his contract was not extended.

White, however, was not a serious contender for the position and the episode resulted in a significant loss of support for the coach in both rugby and government circles.