IRB Threatens Springbok World Cup Ban

The IRB has at long last published the findings of the independent review of the Bakkies Botha "Justice 4" incident which took place in the third British Lions test a few weeks ago. The Springboks wore armbands in a show of solidarity with their star lock who was cited and subsequently banned for two weeks for clearing out a player at a ruck, an action which is seen as a standard part of the game by most, happens in virtually every match, and rarely results in a penalty let alone a ban.

The review found the South African Rugby Union and Springbok team guilty of bringing the game of rugby into disrepute by daring to question the ban and subsequent rejection of their appeal. However it appears the sanctions imposed by the committee are not punitive enough for the IRB and they are hinting that they may pursue the matter further, even going so far as to ban the Springboks from the 2011 World Cup!

Quite frankly I find it ridiculous that the IRB could even make such a statement. I very much doubt that they would be able to follow through on the threat even if they wanted to, but in my opinion it is the IRB which has really brought rugby into disrepute. The IRB act as if they own the game, but seem to forget that without the players there wouldn't be anything to administer.

I truly hope this doesn't affect the Springboks' preparations for what promises to be another cracking game against the Wallabies in Perth on Saturday. Because if the threat of exclusion from the World Cup has any substance, the Springboks' best defence is to keep playing winning rugby. It would be a lot harder to exclude the world's number one team than say the third or fourth best.

And the IRB should cut out the power plays (leave that to the players!) and concentrate on sorting out the apparent inconsistencies in the disciplinary process. That, in my view, is the only way for them to regain the trust and respect of the players and sporting public, and restore their image which has suffered immensely due to the authoritarian manner in which they have handled this entire episode.