Natal Sharks lock AJ Venter’s chances of breaking into the South African Rugby World Cup squad nosedived on Wednesday when he was found guilty of punching and suspended for six weeks.
The suspension means that Venter, who turned out for the Springboks on a number of occasions for the Springboks this year, will not play any rugby until after September 28.
Venter punched Western Province lock Rob Linde during Saturday’s Currie Cup clash at Newlands, a match that the Sharks won 39-34.
Venter has previously been suspended for four weeks after head-butting Stormers centre Robbie Fleck during the Super 12 competition.
Widely acknowledged as the hard man of Springbok rugby, Venter missed out on the 1999 World Cup when then coach Nick Mallett controversially ignored his extremely strong claim.
National coach Rudolf Straeuli will announce his World Cup squad at the end of August. — Sapa