Cape Town - Bakkies Botha says Springbok prop Jannie du Plessis lost a few supporters after barging into him at a ruck during the World XV’s 46-10 loss to South Africa at Newlands last Saturday.
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Botha, who captained the World XV in his last international game, temporarily left the field after he was caught off-guard by Du Plessis, who barged into a ruck and appeared to shoulder charge Botha.
Botha sported a gash on the side of his head but was able to play on.
The legendary Springbok lock visited the Sport24 offices on Monday and when probed about the incident, he replied: “It (the gash) is definitely from the cheap shot of Jannie, which he gave me during the game. But I think at the end of the day he lost a few supporters and I won a few supporters," Botha quipped.
Botha said Du Plessis did show remorse for his actions after the game.
“Afterwards he gave me his match jersey. He felt very bad about it. But he got away with it and that’s the game.”
Botha was diplomatic when asked whether he felt Du Plessis deserved a yellow card for his actions.
“The incident happened so quickly. Afterwards the guys said to me it was Jannie and a lot of the guys said I must chase him down but for me as a player I learnt through my career not to play an individual game. The incident happened but I just enjoyed the game so much…”