Lions support Bakkies

Andy Sheridan and Lions coach Ian McGeechan has expressed concern over the Bakkies ruling.

Stephen Nell – Sport24

Springbok lock Bakkies Botha received support from an unexpected source when the British and Irish Lions expressed indignation about his suspension.

Botha was earlier in the week suspended for two weeks after he “dangerously” cleared out a ruck and in the process dislocated the shoulder of Welsh prop, Adam Jones. Botha’s appeal against the suspension failed.

“The rule now is that you have to bind onto another player before you charge into a ruck but I find that very difficult. There will always be initial contact with the shoulder and I will definitely not adapt my style of playing,” said the English loosehead prop Andrew Sheridan.

The formidable English looshead prop replaces injured Gethin Jenkins in the Lions starting team for Saturday’s third Test.

“I don’t know if players will now be cited on the grounds that someone was injured. I am sure you can find several incidents in matches where something similar happens without anyone being injured,” said Sheridan.

“Bakkies is a very physical and hard-working lock. I respect him. I have often approached rucks in the same way. It was just unfortunate that Adam’s shoulder was in that position.”

Lions coach Ian McGeechan also expressed his concern about the rule change. “It only means that the player approaching the rucks will have to be very careful. It will be difficult in situations were there is a lot of pressure. It will be interesting to see how the situation is handled in future,” said McGeechan.

“I am not a citing commissioner or judicial officer and it isn’t for me to say what is wrong or right. But as players and coaches we have to get clarity about what is expected of us so that we can be positive in our approach.”