South Africa coach Peter de Villiers is to hold mandatory talks with his employers over his performance in the role.

And the coach is expected to be given full marks after an outstanding 2009 which saw the Springboks return home earlier this week after sealing their third Tri-Nations title and first since 2004 with a 32-29 win over New Zealand in Hamilton.

It was also their seventh win out of nine Test matches, capping a remarkable end to their southern hemisphere international season, which also included a 2-1 series victory over the British and Irish Lions.

No date has been fixed for the talks, the second of such discussions this year, and South African Rugby Union (SARU) acting managing director Andy Marinos admits they are still essential, despite the success of the world champions.

"He has to have three reviews a year, and despite the team's success, it will be no different in this cycle," he told Johannesburg-based newspaper, Times.

"There has been a significant improvement in a number of areas that were of concern after the Lions series.

"I'm delighted with the job Peter's done, but there is a formal review process to go through."

The concerns Marinos was referring to against the Lions included the way in which the coach dealt with the British media

This time around, though, he is expected to come through unscathed, with the only issue that could be raised is South Africa's transformation process - the integration of non-white players into the team.

However, Marinos believes it is not something that can be put entirely on the shoulders of the coach.

He added: "Transformation is a key performance indicator in Peter's review and a key issue for SA Rugby. Transformation can't only be focused on at the top.

"If you look at our junior teams, our sevens team and even throughout the provinces, transformation is happening.

"From a national perspective we are doing well. Perhaps more could be done at provincial level, but Peter has given opportunities to players and will continue to do so."