Monday, March 21, 2011
Bakkies Botha cited for dangerous clearout on Dewaldt Duvenage
No stranger to the citing process, Botha will go through it again as he is set to appear in front of a SANZAR judicial committee on Tuesday to determine his fate. If found guilty of the offence, his disciplinary record will no doubt mean that he'll face a lengthy period out of the game.
Interestingly, Referee Keith Brown - as well as his assistant referees - viewed the clearing out of Duvenage as nothing out of the ordinary, in what was a typically physical South African derby. Botha played on, and as you can see in the clip, attempted a similar clearout at the next ruck.
The citing only came later from SANZAR. Botha has been pulled up under law 10.4 (e) which refers to dangerous tackling specifically, and includes a line that says Playing a player without the ball is dangerous play.
It's a very similar incident to the one we saw between Botha and Adam Jones on the 2009 Lions tour of South Africa. The common perception with that one was that it was a harsh call. The difference here perhaps is that Botha continued on, driving down onto the much smaller Duvenage in a dangerous manner.
Luckily the nuggety scrumhalf wasn't badly injured from it, and continued on to take the Man of the Match award in what was a big win for the Stormers at fort Loftus Versfeld.
UPDATE 22/03/2011: Botha has been cleared of any wrongdoing. The not guilty verdict makes him free to play this coming weekend, against the Lions in Super Rugby.
The Judicial Officer, Jannie Lubbe SC, after careful consideration of the video evidence, the referees report, the citing commissioners report, Bothas testimony and submissions by Bothas legal representative, Gerrie Swart, concluded that he was not satisfied on the balance of probability that Bothas action was in breach of Law 10.4 (e). The case was accordingly dismissed.
Bakkies Botha suspended for nine weeks after headbutt on Jimmy Cowan (2010)
Bakkies Botha suspended for four weeks after dangerous clearout on Gio Aplon (2010)
Bakkies Botha suspended for two weeks after injuring Adam Jones (2009)
Bakkies Botha cited but cleared after face slap on Ryan Kankowski (2009)
Posted at 10:20 am | 215 comments
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Viewing 215 comments
Anonymous March 21, 2011 10:33 am

Oh, and first!
Anonymous March 21, 2011 10:33 am

Oh, and first!
Krang March 21, 2011 10:33 am

Krang March 21, 2011 10:33 am

Anonymous March 21, 2011 10:35 am

Anonymous March 21, 2011 10:35 am

Anonymous March 21, 2011 10:37 am

Yes he did grab his neck and put it in an awkward position, but I don't think it was intentional, he was trying to smash him and its just what happened.......
This kind of thing takes place about 10 times a game, in a tough and fast one anyway.
Anonymous March 21, 2011 10:37 am

Yes he did grab his neck and put it in an awkward position, but I don't think it was intentional, he was trying to smash him and its just what happened.......
This kind of thing takes place about 10 times a game, in a tough and fast one anyway.
Scotsdale March 21, 2011 10:39 am

Scotsdale March 21, 2011 10:39 am

Mike March 21, 2011 10:40 am

Mike March 21, 2011 10:40 am

Anonymous March 21, 2011 10:42 am

Anonymous March 21, 2011 10:42 am

alex March 21, 2011 10:42 am

alex March 21, 2011 10:42 am

Hackney Griffin March 21, 2011 10:43 am

He hits with his shoulder, but wraps both arms. He is low and hits the 9s shoulder, the contact around the head comes because the 9 is so low. I don't see how this can be viewed as anymore dangerous than tackling a player in a low body position.
Hackney Griffin March 21, 2011 10:43 am

He hits with his shoulder, but wraps both arms. He is low and hits the 9s shoulder, the contact around the head comes because the 9 is so low. I don't see how this can be viewed as anymore dangerous than tackling a player in a low body position.
Dave March 21, 2011 10:44 am

Dave March 21, 2011 10:44 am

Anonymous March 21, 2011 10:46 am

these things happen very quickly and when your hitting your umpteenth ruck of the match you don't have time to think it all through.
Anonymous March 21, 2011 10:46 am

these things happen very quickly and when your hitting your umpteenth ruck of the match you don't have time to think it all through.
AK March 21, 2011 10:58 am

AK March 21, 2011 10:58 am

I hate ppl who write March 21, 2011 11:06 am

Botha doesn't just play the game, he seems to enjoy inflicting pain, little touchs like a reverse headlock while driving into the ground are certainly something, and given his history I would say it was high time he got a life a ban. Below this post you'll find at least 4 other clips, but that's just where he gets caught. He's a dirty mindless thug and I think he's a disgrace to the game.
Come RWC time, all the game needs to get a terrible rep worldwide is this idiot paralysing someone, and he seems to try his best to do just that.
I hate ppl who write March 21, 2011 11:06 am

Botha doesn't just play the game, he seems to enjoy inflicting pain, little touchs like a reverse headlock while driving into the ground are certainly something, and given his history I would say it was high time he got a life a ban. Below this post you'll find at least 4 other clips, but that's just where he gets caught. He's a dirty mindless thug and I think he's a disgrace to the game.
Come RWC time, all the game needs to get a terrible rep worldwide is this idiot paralysing someone, and he seems to try his best to do just that.
Gaz March 21, 2011 11:08 am

It'd be ironic if something he's started doing to avoid getting cited gets him cited!
Gaz March 21, 2011 11:08 am

It'd be ironic if something he's started doing to avoid getting cited gets him cited!
Colombes March 21, 2011 11:15 am

What i don't understand, is why he continued to drive down the scrum half by putting his arms around the neck it could have been a stupid and dangerous injury.
a ban, ok, but i don't know how much as he didn't injured him
Colombes March 21, 2011 11:15 am

What i don't understand, is why he continued to drive down the scrum half by putting his arms around the neck it could have been a stupid and dangerous injury.
a ban, ok, but i don't know how much as he didn't injured him
Anonymous March 21, 2011 11:39 am

Odd refereeing.
Anonymous March 21, 2011 11:39 am

Odd refereeing.
Anonymous March 21, 2011 11:43 am

Anonymous March 21, 2011 11:43 am

Christ March 21, 2011 11:46 am

Christ March 21, 2011 11:46 am

rejee March 21, 2011 11:53 am

That could have easily even snapped the neck of the scrum-half! I hope he gets banned for at least a year or two. Enough is enough bakkies!!
rejee March 21, 2011 11:53 am

That could have easily even snapped the neck of the scrum-half! I hope he gets banned for at least a year or two. Enough is enough bakkies!!
bplouis March 21, 2011 11:56 am

that wasnt so bad to be honest
bplouis March 21, 2011 11:56 am

that wasnt so bad to be honest
Anonymous March 21, 2011 12:00 pm

Anonymous March 21, 2011 12:00 pm

Jack78 March 21, 2011 12:03 pm

Whether the player ends up hurt or not often depends on their level of fitness or strength, that has nothing to so with the rules.
It should be a citing, whether the recieving player is a 9 or a 2 doesn't matter.
Jack78 March 21, 2011 12:03 pm

Whether the player ends up hurt or not often depends on their level of fitness or strength, that has nothing to so with the rules.
It should be a citing, whether the recieving player is a 9 or a 2 doesn't matter.
poccio March 21, 2011 12:12 pm

poccio March 21, 2011 12:12 pm

Xavier March 21, 2011 12:14 pm

And what if botha's past doens't let me believe it wasn't intentional? Are you going to tell me I have no reason not to believe him when he says it wasn't intentional? I know the forwards and the tight five get themselves in some hard situations (I play second and third row). But bakkies has 5 times more "situations" in his CV than almost any other lock in the world. And you never see anyone else headbutting someone from behind.
Fact is, the bastard enjoys inflicting pain, makes him feel like a big man.
SA have many quality locks. If I was in charge you would not see Botha use the green and gold ever again.
Xavier March 21, 2011 12:14 pm

And what if botha's past doens't let me believe it wasn't intentional? Are you going to tell me I have no reason not to believe him when he says it wasn't intentional? I know the forwards and the tight five get themselves in some hard situations (I play second and third row). But bakkies has 5 times more "situations" in his CV than almost any other lock in the world. And you never see anyone else headbutting someone from behind.
Fact is, the bastard enjoys inflicting pain, makes him feel like a big man.
SA have many quality locks. If I was in charge you would not see Botha use the green and gold ever again.
poccio March 21, 2011 12:15 pm

poccio March 21, 2011 12:15 pm

Anonymous March 21, 2011 12:17 pm

Anonymous March 21, 2011 12:17 pm

Anonymous March 21, 2011 12:40 pm

Anonymous March 21, 2011 12:40 pm

edbok March 21, 2011 12:52 pm

His reputation goes before him, obviously, but it is amazing how no-one else ever gets cited for things like the Adam Jones incident. You want to treat Bakkies differently? Okay, subject him to longer bans given his past history. But how about citing other people for the same offences, because until that happens he's being unfairly singled out.
edbok March 21, 2011 12:52 pm

His reputation goes before him, obviously, but it is amazing how no-one else ever gets cited for things like the Adam Jones incident. You want to treat Bakkies differently? Okay, subject him to longer bans given his past history. But how about citing other people for the same offences, because until that happens he's being unfairly singled out.
Anonymous March 21, 2011 1:09 pm

Anonymous March 21, 2011 1:09 pm

Anonymous March 21, 2011 1:16 pm

This is the kind of stuff that puts people in wheelchairs. No place for it!
Anonymous March 21, 2011 1:16 pm

This is the kind of stuff that puts people in wheelchairs. No place for it!
Anonymous March 21, 2011 1:19 pm

Botha is pinning his neck forward and then picks him up and slams him withou the ball. It's an obvios penalty and worht a citing...apart from that the ball was ntot out and he entered from the side of the ruck....
Anonymous March 21, 2011 1:19 pm

Botha is pinning his neck forward and then picks him up and slams him withou the ball. It's an obvios penalty and worht a citing...apart from that the ball was ntot out and he entered from the side of the ruck....
Ben March 21, 2011 1:21 pm

at first sight I thought, there's nothing wrong, put then, the arm around the neck is just horrible.
Ben March 21, 2011 1:21 pm

at first sight I thought, there's nothing wrong, put then, the arm around the neck is just horrible.
Corbin March 21, 2011 1:24 pm

Corbin March 21, 2011 1:24 pm

Mike D March 21, 2011 1:25 pm

Just for the fact that he grabbed he around the neck and picked him up like that is flat out illegal and dangerous.
Sure you can vigorously counter ruck, but what Botha did here is absurd.
Mike D March 21, 2011 1:25 pm

Just for the fact that he grabbed he around the neck and picked him up like that is flat out illegal and dangerous.
Sure you can vigorously counter ruck, but what Botha did here is absurd.
themull March 21, 2011 1:31 pm

Even so driving someone's head and neck downwards while in that position should rightly be against the rules considering the possible consequences....
The fact that the scrum half was so small compared to him didnt help either as it allowed Bakkies to manhandle him, unlike if it was say someone like ali williams he was trying to clean out
themull March 21, 2011 1:31 pm

Even so driving someone's head and neck downwards while in that position should rightly be against the rules considering the possible consequences....
The fact that the scrum half was so small compared to him didnt help either as it allowed Bakkies to manhandle him, unlike if it was say someone like ali williams he was trying to clean out
Michael March 21, 2011 1:43 pm

Michael March 21, 2011 1:43 pm

Shane March 21, 2011 1:46 pm

Shane March 21, 2011 1:46 pm

Athol March 21, 2011 1:49 pm

Athol March 21, 2011 1:49 pm

Anonymous March 21, 2011 1:55 pm

one more thing, why's bakkies always hitting on 9's? I would like to watch him doing this to a.w.jones or O'connel
Anonymous March 21, 2011 1:55 pm

one more thing, why's bakkies always hitting on 9's? I would like to watch him doing this to a.w.jones or O'connel
Anonymous March 21, 2011 2:13 pm

I long for the day that a team target this sicko properly and take him out of the game for good. Back in the days before there were cameras dotted around the field in every possible location a team could get away with making sure the player they were after was left on the deck after a ruck and played no further part in the game. These days its too easy to get spotted.
If he's allowed to carry on, he will cripple someone one day, or worse. This is not a one-off incident.
Anonymous March 21, 2011 2:13 pm

I long for the day that a team target this sicko properly and take him out of the game for good. Back in the days before there were cameras dotted around the field in every possible location a team could get away with making sure the player they were after was left on the deck after a ruck and played no further part in the game. These days its too easy to get spotted.
If he's allowed to carry on, he will cripple someone one day, or worse. This is not a one-off incident.
Paul, Nat, Finn & March 21, 2011 2:18 pm

Andrew Hore was yellow carded for exactly the same thing.
As he wasn't punished on the field like Hore, he may be out for a week, plus whatever they want to add for the high or dangerous thing, plus his previous record.
Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy.
Paul, Nat, Finn & March 21, 2011 2:18 pm

Andrew Hore was yellow carded for exactly the same thing.
As he wasn't punished on the field like Hore, he may be out for a week, plus whatever they want to add for the high or dangerous thing, plus his previous record.
Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy.
Anonymous March 21, 2011 2:19 pm

Anonymous March 21, 2011 2:19 pm

Anonymous March 21, 2011 2:24 pm

Anonymous March 21, 2011 2:24 pm

Dodge March 21, 2011 2:31 pm

Dodge March 21, 2011 2:31 pm

RememberTheMer March 21, 2011 3:40 pm

In from the side. Check.
Much smaller player. Check.
Lead with the head. Check.
Maximise contact with the neck/head area. Check.
All of these incidents are the same, he is trying to injure people. I was a little dubious about his punishment against the B&I Lions, but looking back it is now obvious to me that he was trying to pop Jones shoulder.
He has thrown away any right he had to being given the benefit of the doubt.
RememberTheMer March 21, 2011 3:40 pm

In from the side. Check.
Much smaller player. Check.
Lead with the head. Check.
Maximise contact with the neck/head area. Check.
All of these incidents are the same, he is trying to injure people. I was a little dubious about his punishment against the B&I Lions, but looking back it is now obvious to me that he was trying to pop Jones shoulder.
He has thrown away any right he had to being given the benefit of the doubt.
Gavin March 21, 2011 4:32 pm

Gavin March 21, 2011 4:32 pm

Ian M March 21, 2011 4:57 pm

Ian M March 21, 2011 4:57 pm

Anonymous March 21, 2011 5:05 pm

Anonymous March 21, 2011 5:05 pm

Bobby Nations March 21, 2011 5:18 pm

I saw the dump you reference. IIRC, Nick Easter asked the ref about it at the next opportunity, but he was shushed as the ref was in the midst of awarding an infraction of some sort to Ireland. Strange scene. To his credit, Easter just got on with the game.
Bobby Nations March 21, 2011 5:18 pm

I saw the dump you reference. IIRC, Nick Easter asked the ref about it at the next opportunity, but he was shushed as the ref was in the midst of awarding an infraction of some sort to Ireland. Strange scene. To his credit, Easter just got on with the game.
Douglas March 21, 2011 5:25 pm

Douglas March 21, 2011 5:25 pm

Anonymous March 21, 2011 6:50 pm

Anonymous March 21, 2011 6:50 pm

Matt March 21, 2011 7:22 pm

Matt March 21, 2011 7:22 pm

Anonymous March 21, 2011 9:00 pm

Anonymous March 21, 2011 9:00 pm

Anonymous March 21, 2011 9:12 pm

Anonymous March 21, 2011 9:12 pm

Anonymous March 21, 2011 9:24 pm

Anonymous March 21, 2011 9:24 pm

Anonymous March 21, 2011 10:46 pm

See, I didn't even have to read all of you comments. I already knew what most of you intellectuals have said, losers.
Anonymous March 21, 2011 10:46 pm

See, I didn't even have to read all of you comments. I already knew what most of you intellectuals have said, losers.
Anonymous March 21, 2011 10:51 pm

Just out to get Botha because of his past. If a big polynesian nobody did this he wouldn't be cited at all.
Anyway, the Bok pack is going to own everything come world cup time, even without Juan Smith.
Brussow is back and he single handedly defeated the Waratahs away from home.
8. Alberts
7. Burger
6. Brussow
5. Matfield
4. Botha
3. Jannie
2. Bismarck
1. Beast
(Alberts,Brussow,Botha-for the most part, Bismarck and the Beast were ALL out of the Tri-nations 2010)
Anonymous March 21, 2011 10:51 pm

Just out to get Botha because of his past. If a big polynesian nobody did this he wouldn't be cited at all.
Anyway, the Bok pack is going to own everything come world cup time, even without Juan Smith.
Brussow is back and he single handedly defeated the Waratahs away from home.
8. Alberts
7. Burger
6. Brussow
5. Matfield
4. Botha
3. Jannie
2. Bismarck
1. Beast
(Alberts,Brussow,Botha-for the most part, Bismarck and the Beast were ALL out of the Tri-nations 2010)
Anonymous March 21, 2011 11:02 pm

Anonymous March 21, 2011 11:02 pm

No.7 March 21, 2011 11:05 pm

The guy is a 'self proclaimed enforcer'...I have not actually seen him 'enforce himself' on players of similar size (yeh yeh, i know the guy is a tank and its hard to find someone else his size..) but he generally always seems to be imposing himself on smaller players or those in vulnerable positions...
I think it is a massive shame because he can be a great player, but it appears he has this 'bad boy, bully boy' attitude about him such as he tries to intimidate with his size... Rather than say, someone like Matfield, who intimidates you with his skill (his size helps obviously)
I think this is just another example of his attempt to bully others on the pitch...
Please guys dont be pathetic and bring up BOD and botha...i think BOD is a million times the player bakkies is, however he would easily get destroyed...
No.7 March 21, 2011 11:05 pm

The guy is a 'self proclaimed enforcer'...I have not actually seen him 'enforce himself' on players of similar size (yeh yeh, i know the guy is a tank and its hard to find someone else his size..) but he generally always seems to be imposing himself on smaller players or those in vulnerable positions...
I think it is a massive shame because he can be a great player, but it appears he has this 'bad boy, bully boy' attitude about him such as he tries to intimidate with his size... Rather than say, someone like Matfield, who intimidates you with his skill (his size helps obviously)
I think this is just another example of his attempt to bully others on the pitch...
Please guys dont be pathetic and bring up BOD and botha...i think BOD is a million times the player bakkies is, however he would easily get destroyed...
RememberTheMer March 21, 2011 11:15 pm

Don't you think he goes beyond bullying though? There are not many players who intentionally try to injure people out of the game. And there are even fewer who keep doing it season after season.
RememberTheMer March 21, 2011 11:15 pm

Don't you think he goes beyond bullying though? There are not many players who intentionally try to injure people out of the game. And there are even fewer who keep doing it season after season.
Jono March 21, 2011 11:34 pm

He's just paying for his reputation.
If anyone else had done that I doubt anyone would have noticed.
Bullshit citing.
Jono March 21, 2011 11:34 pm

He's just paying for his reputation.
If anyone else had done that I doubt anyone would have noticed.
Bullshit citing.
choke hold March 21, 2011 11:34 pm

for those who don't think wrapping your arm around the neck of someone is unintentional, you need to get off your butts and play rugby.. this is clearly a calculated move done by dirty players
choke hold March 21, 2011 11:34 pm

for those who don't think wrapping your arm around the neck of someone is unintentional, you need to get off your butts and play rugby.. this is clearly a calculated move done by dirty players
No.7 March 22, 2011 12:45 am

I do play rugby, I am aware of accidental incidents within matches... However, I must admit that may i am extremely lucky or something, but I cant actually recall a single incident where i accidently got someone round the neck in a ruck..or lead with my head etc etc..
I can however recall numerous times where I have not pulled out of a tackle when the ball went, lead with my head into another player in a ruck, stuck my shoulder hard into the guts of a player at the front of a maul who could not cover his torso...
Now im not trying to be 'big macho man' but those are incidents which I can clearly recall hurting someone on purpose (to some degree) through dubious play...(or illegal...)
The kind of things bakkies does are not accidental, he may not have planned it hours before the game, and ofcourse they may have been spur of the moment decisions, but no one tends to do stuff like that by accident... especially not at the rate that bakkies does it...
He is the kind of player that will deliberately throw his weight into someone (sometimes legally) with the intent to injure...Like i said before, I stuck my shoulder into the torso of a guy at the front of a driving maul...why did i do it? I dont know exactly my reasons, not to fight or anything, but i didnt try to do it to become a new friend...i tried to hurt the guy, and i did hurt the guy....
It may have been a 'brain explosion' on my part, but i still meant to do it...
p.s not proud of my indescretions, i just felt they might justify my argument!
No.7 March 22, 2011 12:45 am

I do play rugby, I am aware of accidental incidents within matches... However, I must admit that may i am extremely lucky or something, but I cant actually recall a single incident where i accidently got someone round the neck in a ruck..or lead with my head etc etc..
I can however recall numerous times where I have not pulled out of a tackle when the ball went, lead with my head into another player in a ruck, stuck my shoulder hard into the guts of a player at the front of a maul who could not cover his torso...
Now im not trying to be 'big macho man' but those are incidents which I can clearly recall hurting someone on purpose (to some degree) through dubious play...(or illegal...)
The kind of things bakkies does are not accidental, he may not have planned it hours before the game, and ofcourse they may have been spur of the moment decisions, but no one tends to do stuff like that by accident... especially not at the rate that bakkies does it...
He is the kind of player that will deliberately throw his weight into someone (sometimes legally) with the intent to injure...Like i said before, I stuck my shoulder into the torso of a guy at the front of a driving maul...why did i do it? I dont know exactly my reasons, not to fight or anything, but i didnt try to do it to become a new friend...i tried to hurt the guy, and i did hurt the guy....
It may have been a 'brain explosion' on my part, but i still meant to do it...
p.s not proud of my indescretions, i just felt they might justify my argument!
Sam March 22, 2011 1:44 am

Actually, the more I see of him, the more I see a resemblance to Cudmore!
He might have more skill than Cudmore but he still behaves like an ape who got a day pass to a rugby match!
Sam March 22, 2011 1:44 am

Actually, the more I see of him, the more I see a resemblance to Cudmore!
He might have more skill than Cudmore but he still behaves like an ape who got a day pass to a rugby match!
Anonymous March 22, 2011 2:00 am

Theres a vslid argument that the main reason the scrum half gets slammed is because Bakkies is so much bigger, and honestly if it were another player i could understand them getting away without a citing.
But this is Bakkies and at this stage in his career i think hes no longer entitled to the benefit of the doubt.
I think we should always try an err on the side of safety and Bakkies should receive a significant ban, if for no other reason to discourage similar incidents in future which may result in a more tragic ending.
PS @ No.7, I find it hard to believe that you never grabbed someone round the neck in a ruck, Ive done it several times and Im a back. (obviously not in a malicious way, its just easier to drive someone back when you put them off balance)
Anonymous March 22, 2011 2:00 am

Theres a vslid argument that the main reason the scrum half gets slammed is because Bakkies is so much bigger, and honestly if it were another player i could understand them getting away without a citing.
But this is Bakkies and at this stage in his career i think hes no longer entitled to the benefit of the doubt.
I think we should always try an err on the side of safety and Bakkies should receive a significant ban, if for no other reason to discourage similar incidents in future which may result in a more tragic ending.
PS @ No.7, I find it hard to believe that you never grabbed someone round the neck in a ruck, Ive done it several times and Im a back. (obviously not in a malicious way, its just easier to drive someone back when you put them off balance)
Link March 22, 2011 2:16 am

Link March 22, 2011 2:16 am

Anonymous March 22, 2011 2:22 am

Wow, oh well. All Botha has to do is show you his world cup winners medal, he's a sporting legend... deal with it.
Anonymous March 22, 2011 2:22 am

Wow, oh well. All Botha has to do is show you his world cup winners medal, he's a sporting legend... deal with it.
Anonymous March 22, 2011 2:26 am

Anonymous March 22, 2011 2:26 am

Tommo March 22, 2011 3:14 am

Tommo March 22, 2011 3:14 am

Anonymous March 22, 2011 5:37 am

Anonymous March 22, 2011 5:37 am

Anonymous March 22, 2011 5:43 am

Anonymous March 22, 2011 5:43 am

Flinto March 22, 2011 8:38 am

I dont see any mention of the word spear or high tackle anywhere in the write up! It even says that the ref saw it and let it go, so your one-sided, defensive Pretoria attitude makes you look rather foolish.
About what Botha did, I think if you over-analyse each and every instance of this type of play in every match you'll end up with half the forward packs being suspended.
Where there's smoke there's fire though, and Botha's record will contribute to him being screwed on this one.
Flinto March 22, 2011 8:38 am

I dont see any mention of the word spear or high tackle anywhere in the write up! It even says that the ref saw it and let it go, so your one-sided, defensive Pretoria attitude makes you look rather foolish.
About what Botha did, I think if you over-analyse each and every instance of this type of play in every match you'll end up with half the forward packs being suspended.
Where there's smoke there's fire though, and Botha's record will contribute to him being screwed on this one.
Conor March 22, 2011 8:42 am

Conor March 22, 2011 8:42 am

Flinto March 22, 2011 8:45 am

PLUS, aside from maybe 2 out of 15 players, most guys are actually smaller than him! :)
Flinto March 22, 2011 8:45 am

PLUS, aside from maybe 2 out of 15 players, most guys are actually smaller than him! :)
Anonymous March 22, 2011 9:05 am

What is wrong with you soft c**ks. This is Rugby for gods sakes! "
Yeah that's why people are moaning, it was a pussy shot, cheap and cowardly.
Anonymous March 22, 2011 9:05 am

What is wrong with you soft c**ks. This is Rugby for gods sakes! "
Yeah that's why people are moaning, it was a pussy shot, cheap and cowardly.
Gavin March 22, 2011 9:12 am

And the guys saying "Botha has a WC medal, you don't" or whatever - so what? That has no bearing on whether he is a dirty and dangerous player. He is. He is also a very good player. But when he does dirty and dangerous things, he needs to be punished, or he will cripple a fellow player some day. Will you still be defending him then?
Gavin March 22, 2011 9:12 am

And the guys saying "Botha has a WC medal, you don't" or whatever - so what? That has no bearing on whether he is a dirty and dangerous player. He is. He is also a very good player. But when he does dirty and dangerous things, he needs to be punished, or he will cripple a fellow player some day. Will you still be defending him then?
Dub in Oz March 22, 2011 9:35 am

Dub in Oz March 22, 2011 9:35 am

Anonymous March 22, 2011 10:49 am

Anonymous March 22, 2011 10:49 am

RD March 22, 2011 10:58 am

RD March 22, 2011 10:58 am

Anonymous March 22, 2011 11:01 am

Some things have no place in the game and others are just part and parcel of rugby. I do feel that what Botha did here is dangerous however I don't think he meant it in the sense that others are claiming.... he was trying to smash his opponent as most players do and they got into a bad position because of their difference in size.... he was not trying to break his neck for god's sake!
I reckon most of the people who actually play or have played the game are more understanding. I haven't played rugby for a few years but lots of dangerous but unintentional things like this happened all the time in matches because things happen quickly and the game is aggressive. I loved tackling people, some of my biggest hits would be considered spears these days from a technical standpoint due to the position of their legs but I never drove someones head into the ground, or tried to break a persons neck. Knock the wind out of them and intimidate, definitely. After dislocating thumbs, shoulders, fractures and concussions I realize that this game is rough and when 15 opponents are trying to beat the hell out of you sometimes things happen by accident, though on purpose at the same time if you catch my drift.
Botha and other players should be made aware that this type of neck crank is dangerous...... leave it at that and punish the next guy who blatantly does it despite the warning.
Anonymous March 22, 2011 11:01 am

Some things have no place in the game and others are just part and parcel of rugby. I do feel that what Botha did here is dangerous however I don't think he meant it in the sense that others are claiming.... he was trying to smash his opponent as most players do and they got into a bad position because of their difference in size.... he was not trying to break his neck for god's sake!
I reckon most of the people who actually play or have played the game are more understanding. I haven't played rugby for a few years but lots of dangerous but unintentional things like this happened all the time in matches because things happen quickly and the game is aggressive. I loved tackling people, some of my biggest hits would be considered spears these days from a technical standpoint due to the position of their legs but I never drove someones head into the ground, or tried to break a persons neck. Knock the wind out of them and intimidate, definitely. After dislocating thumbs, shoulders, fractures and concussions I realize that this game is rough and when 15 opponents are trying to beat the hell out of you sometimes things happen by accident, though on purpose at the same time if you catch my drift.
Botha and other players should be made aware that this type of neck crank is dangerous...... leave it at that and punish the next guy who blatantly does it despite the warning.
Anonymous March 22, 2011 11:03 am

He's still a dirty nutter though.
Anonymous March 22, 2011 11:03 am

He's still a dirty nutter though.
HVS March 22, 2011 1:47 pm

HVS March 22, 2011 1:47 pm

Kenneth Rosenstein-S March 22, 2011 2:24 pm

Kenneth Rosenstein-S March 22, 2011 2:24 pm

Kenneth Rosenstein-S March 22, 2011 2:29 pm

Kenneth Rosenstein-S March 22, 2011 2:29 pm

Gavin March 22, 2011 2:47 pm

Gavin March 22, 2011 2:47 pm

Johan March 22, 2011 6:03 pm

I don't play rugby but I'm very observant. There's a thousand more ways to clear out a ruck than wrap your arm around another players' neck. That's choking man. To the one guy saying you've cleared out players many times by wrapping around the neck. It's because that makes them go into submission, hence easier clean out. Should be entirely illegal. Sure, rugby has softened up a bit since the good old days, but all in the name of safety/injury.
Bakkies is a class player, with an unfortunate track record. With his size I don't know why he could not have cleared out Duvenage by any other normal means other than a neck choke and pile driver manouvre. Intentional. Fact.
Johan March 22, 2011 6:03 pm

I don't play rugby but I'm very observant. There's a thousand more ways to clear out a ruck than wrap your arm around another players' neck. That's choking man. To the one guy saying you've cleared out players many times by wrapping around the neck. It's because that makes them go into submission, hence easier clean out. Should be entirely illegal. Sure, rugby has softened up a bit since the good old days, but all in the name of safety/injury.
Bakkies is a class player, with an unfortunate track record. With his size I don't know why he could not have cleared out Duvenage by any other normal means other than a neck choke and pile driver manouvre. Intentional. Fact.
Anrowa March 22, 2011 6:54 pm

Anrowa March 22, 2011 6:54 pm

Anonymous March 22, 2011 8:32 pm

...there was me thinking a scrum half wasnt a forward....
Anonymous March 22, 2011 8:32 pm

...there was me thinking a scrum half wasnt a forward....
Anonymous March 22, 2011 9:38 pm

Anonymous March 22, 2011 9:38 pm

Jono March 22, 2011 10:12 pm

What a load of crap.
Personally I don't believe it was particularly bad, and if another player besides Botha had done it I very much doubt anyone would care or notice.
That doesn't mean I'm trying to be a tough guy, it just means I have a different opinion on the incident.
Maybe just disagree with civility, rather than throw insults around?
Jono March 22, 2011 10:12 pm

What a load of crap.
Personally I don't believe it was particularly bad, and if another player besides Botha had done it I very much doubt anyone would care or notice.
That doesn't mean I'm trying to be a tough guy, it just means I have a different opinion on the incident.
Maybe just disagree with civility, rather than throw insults around?
Dalma March 22, 2011 11:18 pm

if another player besides Botha had such a bad disciplinary history I very much doubt he would still play professional rugby.
Dalma March 22, 2011 11:18 pm

if another player besides Botha had such a bad disciplinary history I very much doubt he would still play professional rugby.
Jono March 22, 2011 11:59 pm

I'm not really defending him as a player, he's about as much of a scum bag as you can be as a player (ask Brendon Cannon what he thinks).
But if you're going to be objective about this incident, it's the kind of clear out you see fairly regularly on rugby.
Again, anyone else, i doubt it would have been noticed.
Jono March 22, 2011 11:59 pm

I'm not really defending him as a player, he's about as much of a scum bag as you can be as a player (ask Brendon Cannon what he thinks).
But if you're going to be objective about this incident, it's the kind of clear out you see fairly regularly on rugby.
Again, anyone else, i doubt it would have been noticed.
Jono March 23, 2011 12:01 am

"Botha shouldn't have been banned for it, nowhere near it. I don't have any complaints. He just cleared me out of the ruck and I got caught. Everyone counter-rucks nowadays and, if anything, I was in the wrong place. He just hit me and I was unlucky. So I was surprised to see he got banned. I know we didn't cite him so I don't know why the independent commissioner did. It was just a fair ruck from a hard player. When I have met him before he seems like a tidy enough bloke so I'm not seeing it as anything malicious."
Jono March 23, 2011 12:01 am

"Botha shouldn't have been banned for it, nowhere near it. I don't have any complaints. He just cleared me out of the ruck and I got caught. Everyone counter-rucks nowadays and, if anything, I was in the wrong place. He just hit me and I was unlucky. So I was surprised to see he got banned. I know we didn't cite him so I don't know why the independent commissioner did. It was just a fair ruck from a hard player. When I have met him before he seems like a tidy enough bloke so I'm not seeing it as anything malicious."
RememberTheMer March 23, 2011 12:02 am

Nothing wrong with the incident's you describe. They sound like rugby to me, nothing wrong with putting the hurt on someone.
But there is a difference between putting your shoulder into another players torso and Bakkies diving head first at full pace into the side of Gio Aplon's head.
RememberTheMer March 23, 2011 12:02 am

Nothing wrong with the incident's you describe. They sound like rugby to me, nothing wrong with putting the hurt on someone.
But there is a difference between putting your shoulder into another players torso and Bakkies diving head first at full pace into the side of Gio Aplon's head.
(u-p)rick March 23, 2011 3:55 pm

Is he any relation to OJ's lawyer? Or did he just break out the 'chewbacca defence' ?
(u-p)rick March 23, 2011 3:55 pm

Is he any relation to OJ's lawyer? Or did he just break out the 'chewbacca defence' ?
Anonymous March 23, 2011 7:45 pm

Anonymous March 23, 2011 7:45 pm

win March 24, 2011 6:06 am

win March 24, 2011 6:06 am

















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