The Springboks endured a record 53-3 defeat at the hands of England at Twickenham on Saturday.

It capped a miserable European tour in which they were also defeated by Scotland and France.

The deputy managing director of South Africa Rugby, Zongeso Nayo, said: "Rudolf's contract, just like everybody else at SA Rugby, is performance-related. But, he has our full support.

"The Boks had good results in the Tri-nations, Rudolf brought in new players and a new dimension to our game. He needs time.

"A few years ago (England coach) Clive Woodward was in the same position, losing Tests away from home.

"Woodward was given time and his record speaks for itself," he told South Africa's Sunday Times newspaper.

The defeat against England was described by one newspaper as "the darkest day in the history of Springbok rugby" and left the side fifth in the world rankings.

Straeuli has a mediocre record since taking over from Harry Viljoen in March.

Viljoen, who resigned as coach, held a success record of 53.33%.

"We will go back and re-think but we have identified some new talent and are going into a new phase of rugby, said Straeuli.

"Some of our older players are not there anymore, but life goes on."

Straeuli added that his team were already looking forward to the next meeting between the two sides - a crunch World Cup group game in Australia next year.

"We're looking forward to Perth, 18 October," Straeuli said.

"I'm seeing it as a World Cup game, I'm not seeing it as revenge.

"Obviously the feeling wasn't great in that changing room so, yes, maybe it will motivate us even more."