De Villiers has been under-fire following a poor run of form which has seen the World Champions win just six of their last 13 Tests and it was rumoured by the South African media that outsiders may be sought to assist De Villiers.

"The committee's focus was very much on examining areas where we can assist the Springbok team and coach in making sure they arrive at the field in the best possible state of preparation," said James Stoffberg, the chairman of Saru's rugby committee.

"We reviewed the season to date and have discussed options for assisting the team in those preparations. It was a frank meeting but a positive one.

"The results of the Springbok team are of paramount importance to our organisation and everyone in the room was committed to providing the team with the best conditions in which to succeed."

De Villiers saw his side win the Tri-Nations championship and a series against the Lions in 2009, but the Springboks finished bottom of this year's Tri-Nations, much to the frustrations of the South African public.

"It was a very helpful process as we have thoroughly reviewed all our systems. We know there are areas in which we must improve and we will be focusing on those in the remainder of the season," said De Villiers.

South Africa play Ireland in Dublin on November 6 in their first game of their tour, before facing Wales at the Millennium Stadium the following week.