Outspoken de Villiers escapes SANZAR ban
Outspoken de Villiers escapes SANZAR ban
OUTSPOKEN South Africa coach Peter de Villiers has had the last laugh following the dismissal of a claim of misconduct against him.
Former Wallabies hooker Brendan Cannon called de Villiers a "clown" and a "puppet coach" after the South African appeared to intimate in a television interview last month that referees were favouring the All Blacks to attract interest in the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand.
De Villiers' comments followed the Springboks losing the opening two Tri-Nations Tests to the All Blacks in Auckland and Wellington.
"I've got my own observations about the last two Tests and maybe I can't say it in public, but we do have a World Cup in New Zealand next year and maybe it was the right thing for them to win the games so they can attract more people to the games next year," de Villiers said on The Rugby Club.
While Cannon was forced to apologise to de Villiers, the controversial coach was cited to appear before a SANZAR judiciary for a possible breach of the code of conduct.
Wallabies five-eighth Matt Giteau was fined $5000 for making a critical comment about referee Steve Walsh during the Super 14 series so it seemed likely de Villiers would be punished.
But SANZAR judicial officer Jannie Lubbe yesterday dismissed the claim, stating de Villiers had made no reference to the refereeing of the games.
"Mr Lubbe heard the case on Friday 6 August and after considering the evidence decided that, on balance of probability, Mr de Villiers had not breached the SANZAR code of conduct," a SANZAR statement said.
"Mr Lubbe stated that during his interview with Fox Sports, Mr de Villiers never mentioned or referred to referees or match fixing."
De Villiers, South Africa's first black coach, is known for outlandish comments, which are referred to as "Devillisms".
But there is an old saying that it is a "wise man who knows when to play the fool".
The de Villiers case has highlighted perceived refereeing inconsistencies in relation to the All Blacks, particularly captain and openside flanker Richie McCaw.
After losing two Tests to the All Blacks in Melbourne and Christchurch, the Wallabies would probably empathise with the Springboks.
McCaw and the All Blacks have been penalised and warned for repeatedly slowing down the opposition ball, but referees have not issued yellow cards.
The charge against de Villiers has also strained relations between South Africa and its Australasian partners.
South African president Oregan Hoskins described the charge against de Villiers as a "declaration of war" by Australia and New Zealand.
SANZAR has asked Hoskins to explain his remark.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news...-1225903656661
