De Villiers defends Burger

SOUTH AFRICA coach Peter de Villiers has launched an astonishing defence of banned flanker Schalk Burger, who gouged Ireland’s Luke Fitzgerald in Saturday’s second test.

“It is a contact sport and so is dancing. Guys who can’t take it, let’s go to the nearest ballet shop and get some tutus,” De Villiers said.

Five Lions players were taken to hospital following Saturday’s game, with Welsh duo Gethin Jenkins and Adam Jones out of the third Test with a broken cheekbone and a dislocated shoulder respectively.