SPRINGBOK lock Bakkies Botha will miss the whole of the team’s Tri-nations campaign after being banned for nine weeks for head-butting All Blacks scrumhalf Jimmy Cowan during Saturday’s Tri-Nations Test.
Sanzar judicial officer Dennis Wheelahan considered Botha’s previous record before issuing the Blue Bulls player with the suspension.
Botha was cited by Sanzar citing commissioner Scott Nowland for striking with the head following a tackle on Cowan in the opening minute of the Test match, which the All Blacks won 32-12.
New Zealand coach Graham Henry said Botha was lucky not to have been banned for longer than nine weeks for the head-butt at Eden Park.
‘I’m not surprised. He’s probably lucky he didn’t get more than nine weeks.
It’s not part of the game and it has been dealt with correctly,’ Henry said, according to the sportinglife.com website.
The incident happened when Cowan held Botha back while they were chasing a kick through.
Botha was recently suspended for four weeks for a similar offence while playing for the Bulls against the Stormers in a Super 14 match at Newlands. He has a long record of suspensions over the years. – Nampa-Sapa
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
