Bakkies Botha will take no further part in the Bulls Super 14 title aspirations as hes been suspended for four weeks for his dangerous clearout of wing Gio Aplon in the game between the Stormers and the Bulls on Saturday.
A lengthy disciplinary hearing took place both yesterday and today, resulting in the Bulls lock having to spend four weeks on the sideline, after only just returning from an injury layoff.
The incident took place in the opening minute of the game, and while he was penalised for entering the ruck from the side, referee Jonathan Kaplan felt no need to discipline him further at the time, despite warning him about leading with the head.
His charge into the ruck was deemed by citing commissioner Freek Burger, to have been illegal as he dangerously and recklessly entered a ruck without using his arms or grasping onto a player. He was suspended last year for a similar offence against the British & Irish Lions , although many felt it was harsh at the time.
He will miss the semi final against the Crusaders, and a possible final should they get through. Hell also miss the upcoming Tests against both Wales and France.
Botha was captaining the Bulls for the first time on Saturday, and while the game was expected to be a fiery affair, I dont think anyone could have predicted that hed manage to cause damage after just 24 seconds. Aplon played on though, and will be fit for this weekend.
Time: 01:58
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