Botha ban very harsh, says Gatland

ON the eve of the third Test against South Africa, Lions assistant coach Warren Gatland has expressed concern at the suspension of Springbok lock Bakkies Botha.

Gatland admitted that both the Lions and Springboks last night met with the referees, a meeting at which it was said the Lions did not have an issue with the incident that led to Botha’s suspension.

Botha was cited following the second Test during which Adam Jones, the Welsh prop, sustained a serious shoulder injury when the big second rower was attempting to clear out a ruck.