World Cup-winning Springboks coach Jake White say he needs a period of reflection before he decides on his future and he's heeding advice from two other successful coaches as he settles on his next move.

White’s four-year term as South Africa’s coach ends on December 31 but SA Rugby have already advertised his job with applications closing on Friday.

"The one thing I learnt from Eddie Jones and Clive Woodward is not to make a decision based on emotions," White told reporters as the Springboks arrived back in Johannesburg.

"I need to take some time off and think about what should happen next. Obviously I want to be coaching rugby, but at the moment everything's on such a high that you could make a decision that's not the best for everyone.

"I need to meet with my bosses and the players and make a decision that's in the best interests of all concerned.

"The problems have been well-documented and it's been a tough four years. I want to compliment everyone involved and say thank you to all the players and staff," White added.

"But I've been speaking about John Smit since I got the job and he's now seen around the world as one of the best captains. It's only fair that the photographs you see in the future will show him holding the World Cup.

"Being the captain of South Africa is unique and John has the ability to get the best out of everyone, whether that be a coloured boy, a black boy, a white Afrikaans boy or a white English boy.

"You can be the best coach in the world, but if you have a bad captain, you'll be a bad coach," White said.