SA Rugby President Backs De Villiers

August 6 - Today's disciplinary hearing for Springboks coach Peter de Villiers has caused South African Rugby president Oregan Hoskins to publicly come to his defense.

Hoskins has expressed his anger at SANZAR partners, Australia and New Zealand for calling the hearing over comments that de Villiers made relating to the refereeing of his team.

De Villiers is accused of implying that Alan Lewis and Alain Rolland, Irish referees, favoured the All Blacks on their home turf when they played the Springboks in two games last month.

While giving an interview to the Australian media after the games, de Villiers said: "I've got my own observations about the last two Tests, and maybe I can't say it in public, but we do have a World Cup in New Zealand next year and maybe it was the right thing for them to win the games so they can attract more people to the games next year."

This comment was seen as controversial enough by the Australians and New Zealanders to ask for a hearing in front of a SANZAR judicial officer.

Hoskins said: "We are right behind Peter and will defend him to the hilt."

However, he also confirmed last week that de Villiers has promised not to make any more controversial comments about referees.

In a statement, de Villiers said: "In no manner did I ever suggest that the All Blacks were being favoured - by match officials or anyone else - because their country was hosting the Rugby World Cup next year."

The Springboks are faring poorly in the Tri Nations series, having slumped to an 0-3 start.

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