South Africa unlikely to appeal Burger ban

South Africa appear unlikely to appeal the eight-week ban handed to Schalk Burger for eye-gouging.

Springboks coach Peter de Villiers had initially defended the player after he was given the suspension for gouging Luke Fitzgerald on Saturday.

He said such incidents were all part of a physical contact sport, but he has now apologised for any comments that appeared to condone foul play.

He is still defending Burger, however, claiming the player is not the type to engage in eye-gouging.

Meanwhile, the Boks have delayed naming their team for the third Lions test until Thursday so they can decide whether to appeal against Bakkies Botha's two-week ban for dangerous play.