Rugby is a game featuring a mixture of controlled violence and aggression, arguably essentially designed to stir up emotions.

In certain instances emotional extremes are tested, especially where rugby forms part of the national psyche.

It's not just a game, some would insist in a red mist of fanatism reminiscent of 'tribal' football hooligans of the 1980s.

Then Peter De Villiers enters the stage. Most rugby union fans recognise PdV, the South African coach with the Tom Selleck moustache but not because he is the first black national coach (not only for South Africa but for many of the top Test-playing nations).

His recognition is linked to his perchant for controversial statements. Many hate him, I love him. I think he's media gold and in context of the fanatism explained above, he's a great coach. Here's why:

1. PdV is a colourful character, he adds to the show. Goodbye Grumpy Henry - who wants to look at the sore faces of stooges like Graham Henry, Robbie Deans or Warren Gatland?

2. PdV takes the focus and pressure off of his players. He has stolen the spotlight, everyone can't wait to hear what he'll come up with next while freeing up playing focus for his players.

3. PdV has a licence to design the team like no one before. He has a racial advantage, as well as eccentricity on his side to completely flummox everyone without stirring racial controversy.

4. PdV creates the impression that his team win IN SPITE OF HIM, rather than due to him.

5. PdV, through his very existence, reminds us that all these superheroes in rugby are human - and often are idiots like us.

6. PdV is the coach of a world-champion team that wins. This puts into perspective the claims of genius lauded upon various other coaches. How smart do you have to be? Our village idiot beats your British and Irish Lions genius (Ian McGeechan), so get down off that pedestal !

7. PdV runs a professional 'backroom' and deceptively so. He is surprisingly well respected by players. His team of technical advisers feel he gives plenty of space for their inputs.

8. PdV reminds me that it IS just a game. Attaching your national psyche or self-worth to rugby is a joke.

9. PdV makes mistakes and says sorry (normally). He carries blame very well as a scapegoat when failure comes to visit.

10. PdV is unpredictable and transfers that perception to his team. Basically, the man people love to ridicule and hate is a model coach. His greatest deception is that he's not.

And as South Africa's 'viewership' figures and market share rocket because of him, I'm left shouting: "All hail Peter de Villiers - the king is dead, long live the clown?"