BAKKIES PROTEST TO BE PROBED
Boks in hot water over armbands stunt
THE IRB are set to throw the book at the Boks for their armband protest against Bakkies Botha's two-week ban handed down by the governing body.
Lions prop Adam Jones will be out for SIX MONTHS after surgery on his dislocated shoulder following Botha's body check in last Saturday's brutal Second Test.
But the Boks say Botha's ban is unjust.
Cited
A statement on the South African Rugby Union website stated: "As a sign of solidarity with Bakkies Botha the Springbok players decided to wear white armbands during the Test match."
But an IRB spokesman confirmed they will investigate the protest.
Lock Simon Shaw was last night cited for dropping a knee on Fourie Du Preez - and offence which earned him a sin-binning.
Meanwhile, Lions skipper Paul O'Connell told Phil Vickery: That was for you.
The prop returned to action two weeks after his international career looked finished following his First Test 'Beasting' in Durban.
Record
The Lions kept their pride intact with a record-equalling win over the Boks and Vickery got the better of opposite man Tendai 'Beast' Mtawarira.
O'Connell said: "We were all playing for each other in a big way and the guys were playing for Phil in a big way. It would have been a long summer if we'd lost. But after we get over enjoying this we might still be filled with regret."
Ugo Monye also buried his First Test nightmare with a stunning 70m solo try.
The England wing admitted: "I nearly broke down and cried when I scored - there were a lot of emotions."
Style
Coach Ian McGeechan, 62, ended his long Lions association in style to ease the pain of the 2-1 series defeat. After seven tours as player and coach the Scot insisted he would not do anything differently if he had his time again.
He said: "No, I'd change nothing, except maybe a referee. We got the 50-50 calls today we didn't in the first couple of games.
"The dressing room last week was one I never wanted to be in - such sadness. And to play like they did today makes them an outstanding group of players."
This article has 5 comments
Now Botha wont hav to face prop Adam Jones in Cardiff in Novvember.
Botha wont be facing any welshman in cardiff in november as we aren't playing SA this Autumn.
NZ, Samoa, Argentina and Australia
By Andy. Posted July 19 2009 at 11:24 AM.
I have always admired the Boks but the childish armband protest & matfields bullying have made me dislike the Boks they are a great side but need to grow up and get out of the playground
By Rob. Posted July 5 2009 at 1:59 PM.
6 months out of rugby would seem to justify a one match ban at the very least. Now Botha wont hav to face prop Adam Jones in Cardiff in Novvember.
Wgat is fair in that ?
By Keith Price. Posted July 5 2009 at 10:22 AM.
First of all Congrats to the Lions , but definitely not best in the world ,, you lost the series . As far as the Bakkies protest , I agree with this ,,, in this match there were similar incidents from both sides with no citing for the players involved.. the refs should try and keep citings Fair
By Richard. Posted July 5 2009 at 9:46 AM.
Today we proved ourselves the best in the world.
By David. Posted July 4 2009 at 11:26 PM.