Springbok skipper slams ‘ludicrous’ Botha ban

SOUTH AFRICA captain John Smit has slammed the “ludicrous” decision that means Springboks hard man Bakkies Botha will miss today’s final Lions showdown.

Botha landed a two-week punishment for a dangerous charge on Lions prop Adam Jones in the same game. Jones suffered a dislocated shoulder and has flown home early, while the Springbok management unsuccessfully appealed against Botha’s ban. But Smit has leapt to Botha’s defence following an incident many astute judges feel amounted to nothing more than the Blue Bulls forward legally clearing out Jones at a ruck.

Smit also claimed to have received support from Lions players and management.