Outgoing Springboks coach Jake White has called for Dick Muir's late application to be considered by the South African Rugby Union saying a failure to shortlist the Sharks coach would be shortsighted.

The South African Rugby Union Presidents Council is set to meet on Thursday to select a new coach and White, who had a turbulent relationship with the SARU, has urged that Muir be considered for the job.

"If there had not been flexibility [when I took over] I would never have got the opportunity to coach the Boks, never mind be part of a World Cup winning squad," White, who himself was a late addition to the job shortlist four years ago, told the Cape Times. "I think it is exciting that Dick, as a former Springbok, and a Super 14 coach, wants to coach the Springboks.

"He understands the ethos of the Boks, he has been through the system and if he was the successful applicant there would be valuable continuity for the squad."

"Peter Hassard, the President of the KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Union and part of the Presidents Council, also said it would be "crazy" to ignore someone of Muir's calibre.

"We want the best man for the job," said Hassard. "We have seen what Dick has done with the Sharks in taking them from the bottom of the Super 12 to the top of the Super 14 and I think that in principle [the Presidents Council] need to look at what he has to offer."

Muir has confirmed that he has already sent a letter to SARU deputy president Mike Stofile stating his intention to apply for the job.

Pippa Davis / Eurosport