Springbok Hookers in hot water after fist fight
DISCIPLINARY HEARINGS: Schalk Brits and Akker van Merwe might have buried the hatchet following the pair’s intense altercation during the Bulls’ 19-16 win over the Sharks.
However, the two occasional Springbok hookers’ reckless fist fight could see them on the sidelines for weeks.
Van der Merwe and Brits are charge with contravening Law 9.12: A player must not physically abuse anyone. Physical abuse includes, but is not limited to punching or striking with the hand or arm.
The incident occurred in the 58th minute of the encounter between at Kings Park at the weekend.
It was the first time in a 17-year senior career, spanning South African and English clubs, that Bulls hooker Brits received a red card.
Both cases are to be considered in the first instance by the SANZAAR foul play review committee – which will take place on Monday.
*Meanwhile, Blues wing Tanielu Tele’a , who received a red card during his team’s 24-9 win over the Stormers at Eden Park will also learn his fate on Monday.
Tele’a was sent off in the 69th minute for taking out opposite wing Dillyn Leyds in the air.
The Blues wing is to have contravened Law 9.17: A player must not tackle, charge, pull, push or grasp an opponent whose feet are off the ground.
All SANZAAR disciplinary matters are in the first instance referred to the foul play review committee to provide the option of expediting the judicial process.
For a matter to be dispensed with at this hearing, the person appearing must plead guilty and accept the penalty offered by the foul play review committee.
