Should Nick Mallett resign?

In 1995, South Africa gloriously became world champions. The last 12 months could hardly have been in starker contrast. The Springboks have now lost four games in a row. Should coach Nick Mallett take the blame and resign?

After England's recent dominance during the tour and a dismal Tri-Nations, South African rugby seems to have fallen from grace.

Mallett has introduced a 'new' style of rugby for the Springboks, but it is failing to produce results. Has the time come for sweeping changes to be made?

Should Nick Mallett resign? Who would be the ideal man to replace him? What is next for South African rugby?

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Nick Mallett's downfall began when he dismissed Gary Teichmann as captain of the side. He should be replaced by Laurie Mains.
Tony Luff, South African

It's a tricky one - do you try to emulate someone else or do what you do so well that others want to emulate you? I hope Mallett is not playing into the hands of the Australians, New Zealanders and even the English by trying to be like them, rather than creating a unique Springbok approach, based on the strengths and weaknesses of the players, and imposing it on others.
Jan, UK

Mallett is the right man, but you have to look at the whole structure of South African rugby. Their Super 12 sides are weak and their forwards are poor. Mallett needs to be given time, but without a front five platform I can't see how his backs can get the ball they crave.
Andy Davenport, UK

Nick Mallett must not be sacked. New Zealand looked down and out two years ago and look at them now. Give him another six months.
Francois, UK

Nick is the best man for the job. Yes, he has had some poor results lately, but against the best teams in the world. I say give Nick a

Mallet is trying to introduce a new style of play allowing the backs more input into the game. He needs more time

  Adam Manchester, England

chance for a new style to emerge. He led us to glory before and he will do it again.
Brian, South Africa

It takes time to mould a side into a good unit. Look at the Kiwis last season ... poor ... compared to now. Give Mallett time and look out for those two home tests in August.
Richard Turner, South Africa

Being born in South Africa and supporting the national team strongly, I find the defeats hard to cope with. Yet Mallet is trying to introduce a new style of play allowing the backs more input into the game. He needs more time and support and in time the we shall reap the rewards with players like Paulse entering the game more.
Adam Manchester, England

Mallett should not quit as Springbok coach.at this moment there is no one better than him to take control. Everyone forgets that he led us to 17 wins and although he has made mistakes and critcism is deserved all he has to do is return to master the basics. Although it would be nice to play 15 man rugby the Springboks have many strong points and need to build on the positive instead of reflecting on the negative.
Christene, South Africa

There is an old saying, "if it ain't broke don't fix it". South Africa have, as long as I can remember, always been very strong up front -

We are losing vital ground while Mallett tries to adapt a style of play to which the players are not suited

  Richard Tyler, London

going over the advantage line through rucks and mauls. The Springboks have been gifted with big, strong and agile front row men whilst the backs have flashes of brilliance. I feel its time Mallett went back to basics, creating a platform from which to strike. We are losing vital ground while Mallett tries to adapt a style of play to which the players are not suited.
Richard Tyler, London

I think he should quit as he is leading us very quickly into a downward spiral. We have gone, in twelve months, from being world-beaters to perennial losers.
Sean Morris, United Kingdom

All countries have their highs and lows. When all rugby-playing countries are on an equal footing and one country in particular is falling by the wayside, only then will I feel sorry for South Africa in a crisis. They do not have a divine right to be the best and we all have dreams. I wish them luck, but shed no tears for their current predicament.
Edwin Crowe, England.

Mallett is on the verge of creating a new type of Springbok play. He needs time and support

  Jack Slier, England

Mallett is on the verge of creating a new type of Springbok play. He needs time and support. Three bad results hardly qualify a dismissal.
Jack Slier, England

I don't see how Nick Mallett can stay in the job in light of South Africa's recent record but there is also no one else who could do the job better than him. Alan Solomons wouldn't change anything and Francois Pienaar is too young. The Cats did well in the Super 12s but were coached by a New Zealander - unfortunately there's nobody but Mallett so we must get behind him and hope for the best.
Mike Wilson, UK

To win in Australia or New Zealand is the toughest task in international rugby and it would be shortsighted to dismiss Mallett. In last season's Tri-Nations the Springbok's improved on home soil and they will do this season as well.
Sean, London