I got it wrong over Gary Teichmann, admits former South Africa coach Nick Mallett, who brings his Stade Francais side to Rodney Parade tomorrow.

Mallett makes his admission more than four years after the 1999 World Cup when he controversially dropped Springbok legend Teichmann not just from the captaincy but from his final squad for the tournament.

Teichmann had captained South Africa to a record 17 straight wins, but then they lost to Wales for the first time in the first game played at the Millennium Stadium when it was still only half finished.

Teichmann promptly joined Newport and was a great success and a hugely popular figure for the two seasons he spent at the club.

He took over as captain, was a virtual ever present member of the side and led the side to their first Welsh Cup triumph for 24 years.

"It was a mistake not to take Gary to the World Cup," admitted Mallett. "But you have to make judgement calls at the time and I probably did get it wrong.

"We didn't win the World Cup and we went out in extra time against Australia when Larkham dropped a goal.

"Maybe with a bit of experience as captain we could have won it. Gary was upset at the time, but we've spoken since and we've got over it now."

Mallett says he will not be applying for the South Africa coaching job made vacant by since the resignation of Rudolf Straeuli.

Mallett held the post, mainly successfully, for a number of years in the 90s and has been touted for a possible return.

The four named candidates are Andre Markgraaff, who has also held the post in the past, Chester Williams, Heyneke Meyer and Dumisani Mhani.

Mallett won't be adding his name to the list. "I wouldn't put my name forward, they would have to ask me," he said abruptly.

He confesses he is a big admirer of Dragons full back Percy Montgomery, who played under him for South Africa, and is looking forward to meeting up with him again tomorrow.

He believes Montgomery can also be used as a goal kicker for the Dragons, as he was against Borders last week.

"He's a very talented player and he can have fabulous games," said Mallett. "When I asked him to take the kicks in the Tri Nations decider against Australia at Ellis Park he put seven out of eight over."

Montgomery retains the full back position against Stade Francais after the brief experiment of playing him at outside half against Leicester appears to be over.