Former coach Nick Mallett (right) was the early favourite

Markgraaff had withdrawn from the shortlist to succeed Rudi Straeuli following the death of his brother.

But he has put his name forward again after reviewing his decision over the New Year.

The other contenders for the Boks job are South Africa Sevens coach Chester Williams, Blue Bulls coach Heyneke Meyer and Border coach Dhumisani Mhan.

It was believed that Markgraaf was going to take over the running of the family farm that had belonged to his brother Pierre prior to his death from a heart attack in early December.

However, he is now once again focused on taking on one of the toughest jobs in rugby.

"It is a sensitive time for me but I can confirm that my name is back in the hat for the job of coach," Markgraaff said.

Markgraaff coached the Springboks in 1996 but resigned in disgrace in 1997 following taped conversations in which he used racist remarks to describe black rugby officials.

Before withdrawing he was favourite to resume the role after fellow former coach Nick Mallett was not among the candidates.

Mallett - who coached South Africa from 1997 to 2000 - was the early favourite to succeed Straeuli.

But new South African Rugby Football Union president, Brian van Rooyen ruled Mallett, now with Stade Francais, out of the running.

If they don't work, don't fire the coach, fire us Sarfu chief Brian van Rooyen

Van Rooyen said: "Contrary to reports we have had no discussions with Mallett, or any other candidates for that matter.

"A technical committee will interview the candidates and evaluate each of them and make a recommendation to the board on 20 January."

The new coach will be named on 30 January.

Van Rooyen added that the board would take the blame if the new coach did not achieve success.

"We take full responsibility and if they don't work, don't fire the coach, fire us," he said.

Straeuli resigned following the Springboks' poor World Cup, where they lost in the quarter-finals to New Zealand.

He came under fire for a brutal pre-tournament training camp that saw the players stripped naked and was also involved in a race row involving two of his forwards.