13 Jul 2008

Springboks hooker suspended for three weeks

6:07 pm on 13 July 2008

Springboks hooker Bismarck du Plessis has been suspended for three weeks following an alleged eye gouging incident in Saturday night's Tri-Nations Test against the All Blacks.

Du Plessis admitted his hand had come into contact with All Black flanker Adam Thomson's face but said he had not deliberately touched the player's eyes.

South Africa beat the All Blacks 30-28. It was their first Test win in New Zealand in 10 years.

The second Tri-Nations Test at Carisbrook coincided with 100 years of Test rugby at the ground, and the 30,000-seat stadium sold out weeks ago.

The win was their first in New Zealand since a 13-3 triumph in Wellington in 1998.

It was also South Africa's first win at Carisbrook in 21 years.

South Africa led 17-15 at halftime.

JP Pietersen scored a try in the first half before Enrico Januarie dotted down, tying the game 28-28 with five minutes to go. Francois Steyn made the conversion to give the Springboks victory.

Fullback Percy Montgomery scored three penalties, while Butch James kicked two penalties and a drop goal.

Most of the points for the All Blacks came from the boot of first five-eighth Dan Carter, who scored six penalties and a drop goal.

Sione Lauaki scored the only try for the All Blacks, in the second half.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry said the Springboks deserved the win.

The All Blacks won the first Test, 19-8, in Wellington.