Springbok coach Peter de Villiers has defended flanker Schalk Burger after he was banned eight weeks for eye gouging Lions player Luke Fitzgerald.
For anyone who's seen the footage, de Villiers has made the extraordinary claim it was accidental, and that rugby is bound to feature "more knocks than ballet".
De Villiers says Burger is an "honourable man" and if you know his nature and character he would not do something that belongs in the "bushveld".
South African lock Bakkies Botha was also banned two weeks for a dangerous tackle.
The Springbok coach has also criticised the Lions for not applauding his team on the series win.
- NEWSTALK ZB
Rugby: Boks coach defends Burger
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