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Cape Town - Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer says a decision on a possible replacement for lock Eben Etzebeth will be made later in the week.
Etzebeth was on Monday handed a two-week ban after being found guilty of head-butting Wallaby Nathan Sharpe during South Africa's 26-19 loss in Perth.
“We take note of the decision by SANZAR to suspend Eben for two weeks for contravening Law 10.4 (a) (Punching or Striking) after he was cited during our match at the weekend against Australia in the Rugby Championship," Meyer said in a statement released to the media.
“Losing Eben is a big setback in a very important week of our preparation, but I have the utmost confidence in the players that are in New Zealand with us. We will only make a decision on a possible replacement later in the week.
“We will not appeal the decision.”
Meyer was earlier quoted as saying that Bakkies Botha would be on standby in case they lose Etzebeth.
The Springboks next take on the All Blacks in Dunedin on Saturday.
HAVE YOUR SAY: Would you like to see Bakkies Botha back in the Green and Gold? Will he make a difference - even off the bench - against the All Blacks? Send your thoughts to Sport24
Etzebeth was on Monday handed a two-week ban after being found guilty of head-butting Wallaby Nathan Sharpe during South Africa's 26-19 loss in Perth.
“We take note of the decision by SANZAR to suspend Eben for two weeks for contravening Law 10.4 (a) (Punching or Striking) after he was cited during our match at the weekend against Australia in the Rugby Championship," Meyer said in a statement released to the media.
“Losing Eben is a big setback in a very important week of our preparation, but I have the utmost confidence in the players that are in New Zealand with us. We will only make a decision on a possible replacement later in the week.
“We will not appeal the decision.”
Meyer was earlier quoted as saying that Bakkies Botha would be on standby in case they lose Etzebeth.
The Springboks next take on the All Blacks in Dunedin on Saturday.
HAVE YOUR SAY: Would you like to see Bakkies Botha back in the Green and Gold? Will he make a difference - even off the bench - against the All Blacks? Send your thoughts to Sport24
