Ex-All Blacks' coach Mitchell cops criticism

Former All Blacks coach John Mitchell has come under fire after being accused of helping the Springboks by former Wallabies captain Mark Ella.

Mitchell, the coach of Perth-based Super 14 franchise the Western Force, presented match jerseys to the South African team on the Friday before the Subiaco Oval test.

Springboks winger Bryan Habana said after his team's 32-25 win over Australia that Mitchell's "stern words" had given them added motivation.

Ella, according to Australian media reports, was surprised by Mitchell's decision to hand out the jerseys.

"He has a responsibility to develop Australian rugby and his total allegiance should be with the Wallabies," the former first five-eighth said.

But Mitchell, who is not an employee of the Australian Rugby Union, was backed by Force chief executive Vern Reid.

He said it was an honour for the man who coached the All Blacks in the 2003 World Cup to be asked to present jerseys to an international team.

"John asked me for permission. I said it was fine as long as he asked Robbie Deans and he was happy," Reid told The Australian.

And that appears to be the case with Mitchell's former New Zealand lieutenant and now Wallabies' coach, confirming he was aware of Mitchell's role in the ceremony.

Two other former Australian captains, Simon Poidevin and Andrew Slack, also backed the former Waikato Chiefs' coach.

"The Springboks have recognised what John Mitchell has done for the game. I don't think they need anyone to motivate them," Poidevin said.

Slack was equally dismissive.

"They could ask Charles Manson to hand out the jerseys and it wouldn't offend my sensibilities.