South African Rugby
De Villiers verdict delayed
Scrum.com
August 6, 2010
South Africa coach Peter de Villiers watches on, New Zealand v South Africa, Tri-Nations, Westpac Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand, July 17, 2010
Peter De Villiers must wait to learn his fate © Getty Images
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Springbok coach Peter De Villiers must wait to learn his fate after the decision in his SANZAR disciplinary hearing was reserved on Friday.

De Villiers appeared before judicial officer Jannie Lubbe in Cape Town in order to answer a misconduct charge arising from controversial comments made on Fox Sports' Rugby Club programme in the wake of his side's Tri-Nations losses to New Zealand.

De Villiers alleged that the All Blacks' recent wins had been assisted by officials in order to build momentum prior to next year's Rugby World Cup.

"I've got my own observations about the last two tests [against New Zealand], and I can't say it in public," he said on July 21. "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."

South African Rugby Union chief Oregan Hoskins termed the misconduct charge a 'declaration of war' and promised to defend De Villiers 'to the hilt'.

National team manager Andy Marinos expects the decision to arrive soon. "The judicial officer advised us that he is going to consider his judgment and let us know by the latest beginning of next week," he told reporters.

South Africa's next Tri-Nations outing is against the All Blacks in a sold-out game at the National Stadium in Soweto on August 21.

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