THE SPRINGBOKS have lodged an appeal against the two-week suspension imposed on Bakkies Botha, and the appeal will be heard tomorrow morning at 8am South African time (7am Irish) via teleconference, reports Gerry Thornley. The appeals committee comprises Nick Davidson QC (New Zealand, chairman), Dennis Wheelehan QC (Australia) and Richard Omwela (Kenya).

In the fall-out from head coach Pieter de Villiers’ remarks, the South African Rugby Union issued an apology through their president, Oregan Hoskins, and de Villiers later that evening.

“We would like to apologise to the rugby community for the erroneous impression that acts of foul play are in any way condoned by South African rugby,” said Hoskins. “That has never been the case and is not now, and we support strong action by rugby authorities when such acts occur.”

De Villiers added that as Springbok coach he stood against play that was not in the spirit of the game. “Eye-gouging is something that we as a team will never be part of,” he said. “The same applies to biting, head-butting, spear tackling or any other foul play that doesn’t belong in the game.

“My comments on Saturday were based on what I know of Schalk Burger as a player and not on what occurred. It was never my intention to suggest that I condone foul play – that is the last thing I would ever do and I apologise for creating any other impression.”

The Bulls pair of fullback Zane Kirchner and flanker Dewald Potgieter (who both featured in the Emerging Boks team which drew with the Lions) have been invited to train with the Springboks this week. The Springboks team will also be announced tomorrow.