Springbok flanker Schalk Burger will miss the first three of South Africa’s six Tri-Nations matches in this year’s competition after his eight-week suspension for eye-gouging in the second Test against the British and Irish Lions at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
Like teammate Bakkies Botha, who was suspended for two weeks, Burger will miss the third Test against the Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday.
Burger was charged with making contact with the face in the eye area of Lions winger Luke Fitzgerald only 32 seconds into his 50th appearance for the Springboks.
He was yellow-carded by referee Christophe Berdos of France after a recommendation by assistant referee Bryce Lawrence that a ”minimum” of a yellow card be issued.
The Springboks play their first Tri-Nations Test on against New Zealand on July 23 in Bloemfontein, followed by Tests the following two weekends against New Zealand in Durban and Australia in Cape Town respectively.
They then have a three-week break before playing Australia (twice) and New Zealand in Australasia on the weekends of August 29 and September 5 and 12 respectively.
Burger will be available for selection for these three overseas Tests, as he can resume playing on August 23.
Botha was suspended for two weeks for a dangerous charge on Lions prop Adam Jones, who left the field early in the second half with a dislocated shoulder which and was operated on Sunday.
South Africa Rugby announced the bans Monday after both players attended disciplinary hearings by International Rugby Board judicial officer Alan Hudson of Canada. — Sapa