Zeena Isaacs
15 July 2008
Johannesburg — SOUTH African Rugby Union (Saru) president Oregan Hoskins yesterday launched an angry attack on the international judicial system governing rugby, saying it was "sickening" how unfairly the Springboks were being treated.
Hoskins was responding to the three-week ban handed down to Springbok hooker Bismarck du Plessis for his fist grazing New Zealand flank Adam Thompson's face close to his eye during Saturday's magnificent 30-28 win in Dunedin.
The usually calm Hoskins came out guns blazing and said he would raise SA's harsh treatment at a Sanzar meeting.
Sanzar is the governing body of the Super 14 and Tri-Nations.
"I will address this matter at Thursday's meeting," he said from Perth yesterday. "I am waiting for Andy Marinos (SA Rugby's national teams manager) and Bismarck to arrive from New Zealand with video footage of the incident, which I plan to show at the meeting.
"I will also get footage of the tackle on John Smit (injured Bok hooker and skipper) in the first game to highlight the inefficiencies in the system. I want fairness in the judicial system."
Even the thought of being reprimanded or sacked from Sanzar and International Rugby Board (IRB) committees was not enough to stop Hoskins from expressing his concerns.
"I am prepared to face the consequences for criticising the judicial system," he said. "If Bernard Lapasset (IRB chairman) had to approach me about it I would stand my ground because this injustice is sickening.
"I would fail in my duties as Saru president if I did not highlight these inefficiencies.
"I studied the incident frame by frame for two hours and it is clear the guy should have been let off the hook. He was not guilty of any offence. He stuck out his fists to break his fall and his hand moved across Thompson's face."
Hoskins singled out judicial officer Kim Garling, saying his performance had to be reviewed. "The judicial officer's capabilities must be examined because fairness is lacking in his finding," said Hoskins.
"I was once part of the judicial system, so I am criticising a former colleague. But there must be fairness and consistency. The punishment must fit the crime. There is no way Brad Thorn could get one week for his tackle on John and Bismarck gets three weeks."
Hoskins cited the incident in the Rugby World Cup last year when flank Schalk Burger was banned for four weeks for a dangerous tackle as one of the harsh calls against SA - the ban was later reduced to two weeks.
News from the Bok camp yesterday was that centre Adrian Jacobs and prop Gurthro Steenkamp were the only casualties from last week's game.
Steenkamp had to have stitches above his left eye and will be available for Saturday's clash against Australia in Perth. Jacobs got a knock to his leg.
The team had the day off yesterday to give their bodies a break following the physically taxing encounter.
While most teams would still be in a state of euphoria after such a significant win, Springbok coach Peter de Villiers was already turning his attention to this week's game.
"Australia are extremely good at putting phases together," said De Villiers. "They are a very organised unit and I am sure the appointment of Robbie Deans as coach will add an extra dimension to their play.
"We played much better against the All Blacks in Dunedin and are obviously delighted with the win. But we have identified a few areas of concern to work on this week."
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