One in the eye for de Villiers’ critics

CONTROVERSIAL South Africa coach Peter de Villiers has condemned foul play in rugby – but refused to criticise banned Springboks flanker Schalk Burger.

The world champions are still debating whether or not to appeal Burger’s eight-week suspension after he was found guilty of “making contact with the face in the eye area” of Lions wing Luke Fitzgerald.

Burger’s action – during the opening minute of Saturday’s 28-25 second Test triumph in Pretoria – earned only a yellow card from French referee Christophe Berdos.