South Africa tighthead prop CJ van der Linde has been handed a four-week ban stemming from last Saturday’s Tri-Nations Test between the world champions and Australia in Durban.
Van der Linde and the Bok management team received the news on Tuesday following a hearing in Durban on Monday.
The World Cup-winning prop was found guilty of dangerous play at a ruck after striking Australia scrumhalf Sam Cordingley with his head during Saturday’s match. He has been suspended from all rugby until September 22.
Australia won the match 27-15, their first victory in South Africa since 2000.
They face the Springboks again in Johannesburg this weekend, before returning home to complete their Tri-Nations schedule against New Zealand in Brisbane on September 13.
The Springboks, who were due to name their team Tuesday for Saturday’s match, have delayed the announcement until Thursday because of several injuries in the camp.
Hooker Bismarck du Plessis, captain Victor Matfield, wing Bryan Habana, prop Tendai Mtawarira and flyhalf Butch James were all nursing injuries Monday and were deemed doubtful for Saturday’s match.
Winger JP Pietersen was on Monday ruled out of the match because of a hamstring strain.
He has been replaced in the squad by Odwa Ndungane for this weekend’s match. With Van der Linde now also out of action, Springbok coach Peter de Villiers will call up Jannie du Plessis as prop cover.
The Sharks player was also a member of the World Cup-winning team in 2007.
Australia flanker Rocky Elsom, meanwhile, will also miss this weekend’s match at the formerly named Ellis Park after receiving a one-match ban on Monday for foul play.
Elsom was cited for playing Bok captain Matfield in the air during last weekend’s match.
Australia are also nursing several injuries and will have to do without key line-out man Dan Vickerman this weekend. Vickerman has a shoulder injury and has been replaced in the squad by Nathan Sharpe. — AFP
