Springboks coach Peter de Villiers continues to enthrall the media in Jo'burg © Getty Images

He admitted he had been 'stupid' over the past few days - not for sharing his outspoken views but for reacting to some of the perceived negative reports from the British & Irish media.

"What a stupid bugger I am," he told reporters. "I've learnt that if they can't win on the field then they will try to win anywhere else they can."

De Villiers is also refusing to change his ways and did nothing to dispel the belief that he is obsessed with his own persona by referring to himself in the third person. "I won't change my style," he said. "If I change my style I change Peter de Villiers and I go back to God and say: 'You made a bad job.'"

Fascinating, amusing and sometimes troubling - but nearly always good copy. He is very much an individual which is a notable character trait but sometimes you think he is a loose cannon. The pressure of being the first black Springboks coach and to a certain extent a political appointment must weigh heavy at times.

He is blessed with an immensely talented team and his record of 11 wins in 15 internationals since taking over from Rugby World Cup winner Jake White is also impressive. But you sense that De Villiers feels he is untouchable and not even a atrocious on-field record could hasten his demise. SA Rugby chiefs are obliged to give their man time for fear of further political repercussions. His controversial comments must cause concern but at the end of the day sport is a results business and as long as his side keeps winning - and they are many people's favourites for the Tri-Nations - he will continue to have the support of his union, his team and most importantly the fans.

In a related point, SA Rugby issued a statement today clarifying the judicial ruling on Schalk Burger's eight-week ban. They were keen to stress that the flanker was cleared of eye-gouging Lions winger Luke Fitzgerald in the opening minute of the second Test but found guilty of 'making contact with the eye area' of the Irishman. The statement also included an apology from Burger to his team and their fans but not to the Lions or Fitzgerald.

De Villiers has predictably made several changes to his side for Saturday's final clash in Johannesburg with the series already in the bag. It is obvious his mind is now focused on the forthcoming Tri-Nations and his selection - and his desire to give all his players the chance to play against the Lions - does de-value the fixture to a certain extent. Perhaps they should have been allowed to play for their provinces then, apart from the Bulls' players, there would not be such an issue. However, it remains a formidable line-up - such is their strength in depth.

The Lions, ravaged by injury, will limp into the Ellis Park clash with a new-look team. Of note is Phil Vickery's return to the front row for the first time since his mauling at the hands of South Africa's Tendai 'The Beast' Mtawarira in the first Test. As a result of McGeechan's final tour selection winger Tommy Bowe (at centre for Saturday's clash), fly-half Stephen Jones, No.8 Jamie Heaslip, scrum-half Mike Phillips and captain Paul O'Connell will be the only players to have started all three Tests. How the Lions must wish that number was higher.