×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

De Villiers defends Burger over eye-gouging

SPRINGBOK coach Peter de Villiers defended flanker Schalk Burger yesterday after the player was banned for eye-gouging, saying it had been accidental and that rugby was bound to feature more knocks than ballet.

SPRINGBOK coach Peter de Villiers defended flanker Schalk Burger yesterday after the player was banned for eye-gouging, saying it had been accidental and that rugby was bound to feature more knocks than ballet.

Burger was banned for eight weeks on Sunday for gouging the eyes of British and Irish Lions winger Luke Fitzgerald in the first minute of Saturday's second Test in Pretoria. Bok lock Bakkies Botha was banned for two weeks for a dangerous tackle.

De Villiers called Burger "an honourable man" who "won't ever do something like that". - Reuters

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.