Springbok coach Peter de Villiers faces a misconduct hearing next week, but former Bok Chester Williams has said it should not be allowed to affect the coach.

South Africa, New Zealand and Australia Rugby (SANZAR) is taking a closer look at de Villiers’ comments in New Zealand when he said the All Blacks beating the Springboks was the right thing in light of next year’s World Cup.

The coach was dismayed by refereeing decisions.

The comments were interpreted by the media as a suggestion the wins were part of a conspiracy to bolster support for the tournament being held next year. SARU promptly denied this.

Williams said it was “sad that it happened”. He added that as a national coach, it is not always easy keeping your feelings to yourself.

“Sometimes the coaches get so frustrated, especially in circumstances we are in now where we haven’t won a game yet, that they do say things you tend to regret afterwards.”

Williams said he hoped nothing comes of the hearing.