Rowntree rounds on embattled de Villiers

OUTSPOKEN Lions assistant forwards coach Graham Rowntree yesterday rowed in behind departing centre Brian O’Driscoll in his condemnation of Springboks coach Peter de Villiers.

The under-fire de Villiers tried to justify the actions of Schalk Burger in the now infamous eye-gouging incident at the start of the second Test last week. Yesterday, Rowntree described the comments as “totally out of order, crass and pathetic”.

“There is no place in the game for gouging; I’ve seen what Brian said and I agree with what he said. I can’t understand how anyone could condone the action, because I wouldn’t back one of my players if that happened.