Schalk banned for 4 weeks

In a completely outrageous decision by the amateurs at the IRB, star Springbok flank Schalk Burger has been banned for 4 weeks for a high tackle.

In a fairly innocuous incident in the Springbok game against Samoa on Sunday, Burger and Samoan Junior Palu jumped for a high ball. Schalk missed the ball and collided with the Samoan scrumhalf in the air. The referee awarded a penalty to the Samoans and the game continued.

Burger pleaded not guilty to the charge of executing a dangerous tackle, explaining that he had contested the ball in the air when he had made contact with the Samoan.

The amateurs at the IRB were having none of it, however, and were determined to make an example of the Bok flank.

Terry Willis, the judicial officer, told the tournament’s website that Burger “executed a reckless and sloppy tackle that was high and dangerous”. Willis said the “mid-range” seriousness of the offence and Burger’s remorse, excellent conduct and good disciplinary record had ensured he didn’t impose the maximum 10-week suspension.

The verdict was a victory for the English press who had been stung by the two match suspension of their captain Phil Vickery for a dangerous trip on Paul Emerick of the USA. Feeling hard done by, they immediately launched a spiteful campaign to influence the citing commissioner by highlighting incidents from the South Africa v Samoa match.

The supposedly impartial official was duly influenced and cited Burger hours before the 48 hour deadline for laying a charge had passed.

Springbok coach Jake White was understandably shocked at the outrageous verdict.

“At this rate the next time he can play is in the semi-final,” said White.

“It is an outrageous decision when you look at the other punishments given to the likes of Phil Vickery and consider Brian Lima was not even cited.”

The Springboks said they would appeal against the verdict, but as the situation stands, Burger will miss Friday’s Pool clash against England as well as matches against Tonga, the USA and a possible quarter-final against Wales.

Let’s hope the Boks give the English press something to write about on Friday.