On Wednesday, reports broke to suggest that versatile Springbok front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels had reportedly banned for nine weeks for an act of foul player during a recent Bulls game, and Rassie Erasmus has seemingly now joined the outcry on social media.
Although the United Rugby Championship organisers have not yet made any official statement on the matter, it’s reported that Wessels will face nearly two months out of the game for allegedly making contact with the groin area of Connacht flank Josh Murphy.
Despite the fact it’s suggested there was no clear video evidence, Wessels could be facing a lengthy period out of the game if such a ban is handed down, although the Bulls are expected to appeal the decision.
Meanwhile, Makazole Mapimpi – who was on the ‘standby list’ for the Springboks’ end-of-year tour’ – has been slapped with a five-match ban for a dangerous tackle on Ulster fullback Michael Lowry at Kings Park.
As a result, he will now be unavailable to be called up to the Springbok squad for the November Tests if the need had arisen.
Rassie Erasmus has responded angrily after the suspensions to Springbok stars
Erasmus could now also find himself in trouble with governing bodies after he took to social media with a post that was clearly in response to the bans.
“It just got tougher!” the Springbok coach tweeted on Thursday morning. “We now have to beat them on the field and in the boardrooms. Hamba man. Tsek. Loop kak.”
TOURING SQUAD:
Forwards – Lood de Jager, Ben-Jason Dixon, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Thomas du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Johan Grobbelaar, Jean Kleyn, Siya Kolisi, Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Franco Mostert, Ox Nche, Ruan Nortje, Zachary Porthen, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Gerhard Steenekamp, Marco van Staden, Boan Venter, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Jasper Wiese.
Backs – Kurt-Lee Arendse, Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ethan Hooker, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Manie Libbok, Canan Moodie, Handré Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Morne van den Berg, Edwill van der Merwe, Damian Willemse, Grant Williams.
Standby players
Forwards – Juarno Augustus, Neethling Fouché, Bongi Mbonambi, Salmaan Moerat, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Evan Roos, Vincent Tshituka.
Backs – Lukhanyo Am, Sebastian de Klerk, Makazole Mapimpi.
