Following the recent sprinkling of “friendly” internationals in New Zealand, this morning marked the start of the Tri-Nations competition. The first game, between New Zealand and South Africa, at Eden Park promised so much and delivered on the most part. Despite a comprehensive win by New Zealand 32-12 and tries from Smith, Nonu, Read and Woodcock (bonus point) the game will be remembered for a moment of madness by Bakkies Botha. UPDATE: Botha receives 9 Week Ban
As early as the second minute, Botha deliberately head butted the New Zealand scrum half after Cowan had pulled Botha’s jersey. Cowan had released the ball as Botha tackled the all black and as he fell on Cowan he appeared to wait for a second or two and then follow through with his head. Neither referee Alan Lewis or his assistants spotted the attack and it was ironic that 11 minutes later Botha was yellow carded for slowing the play down.
When the incident was replayed on the big screen there was little left to the imagnination and the crowd were incensed, not once but the four times the head butt was shown. Bakkies Botha was cited for dangerous play after the match by SANZAR citing commissioner Scott Nowland, the competition’s ruling body said in a statement, and he will appear at a hearing before judicial officer Dennis Wheelahan in Auckland on Sunday. UPDATE: Botha receives 9 Week Ban
With the sides meeting again in the second match of the Tri-Nations next Saturday in Wellington, it would be a huge travesty of justice should Botha be part of that game or take a further part of the 2010 tri-nations series.…
