Joubert made a good impression with the interviewing panel, but Straeuli's fine record at home with Natal swung opinion his way.

Straeuli, who played in Wales for Penarth and also coached at Bedford, takes over from Harry Viljoen, who resigned in January.

The 38-year-old's time with the Sharks saw him guide them to the last two Currie Cup finals and he transformed them into a renewed Super 12 force.

He inherited a side that finished last in the 2000 competition, but took them to runners-up behind the ACT Brumbies last year. His post at Natal could be taken by former Newport back-row man Gary Teichmann.

Straeuli played number eight for the Springboks during their World Cup-winning campaign of 1995 and cut his coaching teeth at Bedford before returning to South Africa.

The appointment of Straeuli was announced in Johannesburg by Rian Oberholzer, managing director of SA Rugby, the sport's ruling body in the country.

Former Springbok coach Andre Markgraaff, who headed SA Rugby's technical panel during the interviewing process, said he rated both applicants highly.

"Rudolf is a strict disciplinarian who can bring stability and continuity to the position," Markgraaff said.

"He is a manager and he is a man of stature."

Straeuli's first Test match in charge will be against Wales in Bloemfontein on June 8.

Morne du Plessis, who managed Straeuli in the 1995 Springboks, said: "He was a team man who helped in the creation of a wonderful spirit.

"I found myself spending a lot of time with him on the bench. It was amazing how analytical he was."

Joubert will now continue his work at Cardiff, having had a get-out clause if he was given the Springboks' job.

The Blue & Blacks' main aim is the Welsh-Scottish League, but they also play Newport in the quarter-finals of the Principality Cup.