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Van der Merwe picks up ban for fist fight with Springbok rival
By Online Editors
Blues winger Tanielu Tele'a has been suspended for four weeks of Super Rugby, and Sharks hooker Akker van der Merwe for three after governing body SANZAAR announced sanctions handed down by their Foul Play Review Committee.
Tele'a pleaded guilty to a charge of tackling a player off the ground after he was red-carded during his Auckland side's 24-9 victory for crashing into airborne Stormers' winger Dillyn Leyds.
The committee found that the act warranted a suspension of eight weeks, but cut that in half due to his guilty plea and the player's good judicial record.
Van der Merwe was involved in a fist fight with rival Bulls' hooker Schalk Brits, for which both players were red-carded in the Pretoria-based side's 19-16 victory on Saturday.
He pleaded guilty to the offence, which saw the usual six-week sanction cut in half.
Brits has also been charge by the Foul Play Review Committee, but no verdict has yet been reached in his case.
Van der Merwe and Brits are likely rivals for one spot in the South Africa squad for the World Cup in Japan later in the year, with Malcolm Marx and Bongi Mbonambi ahead of them in the pecking order.
AAP
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Latest Comments
He doesn't generally do it at all, for anybody, so don't say too much the next one could be just as positive about the Springboks if you don't get carried away!
He also pointed out the "no killer instinct" narrative that they simply weren't good enough. Do yo disagree that SA were that great against NZ?
Readying the article I didn't even see that as a dig towards SA SF, simply an exciting take on how close the ABs really are again to those at the top. I feel it is more you that is taking away from this enjoyment with you replay that is largely based on a lot of old resentment.
Just enjoy how good the rugby is and that NZ is back baby!
Go to commentsAttack coach? What "attack"? All I saw was headless chooks pinballing around the paddock. This whole coaching group needs a shake-down. The BFs have regressed at pace since the Prof & Cronnie days.
We have immense talent, some of the best in world rugby, but it's wasted on this coaching group. I put Bunting in the same loser category as Penney & Foster. At this point in time, success at RWC2025 seems a longshot!?!
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