British & Irish Lions
• What did the South Africans ever do for us?
Ireland Rugby
Citings from the second Lions’ test against the Springboks
The friendly spirit of the Lions’ tour was somewhat marred today by two incidents that occurred during the course of play in the second Lions’ test against the Springboks. Two players were carded for separate incidents involving wing Luke Fitzgerald and Adam Jones.
Schalk Burger was caught on tape within the first 30 seconds of the game, blatantly engaging in an act of gouging on the wing. Later, in the second half of the Test, Bakkies Botha was cited for what was termed a dangerous shoulder charge against Jones.
Luke Fitzgerald is understandably upset and was convinced that Burger should have been sent off immediately following his infringement. As a result of these incidents, both of the Springbok forwards will face disciplinary hearings in the South African capital of Pretoria. They could each face bans that would mean they are not available for the third and final test of the Lions’ tour.
Adam Jones’ tour has likely come to an end after he suffered a dislocated shoulder during his contact with powerful Botha. This is only one of a number of injury concerns that now plague the Lions after today’s second test.