A year on from almost losing his job after defeat by England at Twickenham, Jake White bowed out of Test rugby with South Africa sitting on top of the world.
The Springboks began their new life as world champions by impressively beating Wales 34-12 in White's final full Test in charge on Saturday but it could all have been so different.
"It was the 24th November weekend after I was summoned back - I was fortunate that we beat England. I kept my job," said White, whose team won the second of the two Twickenham Tests on November 25.
Asked how different South African rugby would have been had he, instead of England's Andy Robinson, been sacked, White said: "No one will ever know but I guess there is a lesson there for everyone.
"I stuck with the group of players, stuck with my captain and stuck to the things I believe in, that's the lesson I learned.
"It's been a great year. We won 14 our of 17 Tests, we won the World Cup and we are ranked No.1. In a way it's a sense of relief to walk away with that there and it is always better to go out on your own terms."
White's team certainly signed off in style as they ran in five tries, including three in a first-half burst that effectively settled the game when they led 22-0.
"I started my coaching career with the Sharks against Newport and ended it at the Millennium Stadium in front of a very passionate Welsh crowd and to get a win like that, that's the way you want to bow out I guess," he said.
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Springboks see off Wales
Springboks see off Wales
