The re-instated initiation ceremony for new Springbok caps has caused alarm in certain quarters.

The ceremony, described as 'barbaric' and banned by previous coach Nick Mallett but brought back by Harry Viljoen after pressure from the squads senior members, has been criticised by some black players.

The process involved players being beaten on the backside by teammates at their Buenos Aires hotel last weekend.

"The ceremony last weekend was controlled. No pain was inflicted and the players appreciated getting the chance to have an official welcome to the team," said Joost Van der Westhuizen.

"Hooker John Smit told me during the recent Tri-Nations championship that he was disappointed by the welcome given to newcomers. That is why I backed reviving the ceremony.

"John believed he had missed out on not being formally accepted into the Springbok fold by fellow players. New Springboks are proud of being part of the tradition."

Tour manager Gideon Sam, one of several black officials accompanying the Springboks on a nine-match tour which begins against Argentina A on Wednesday night, said flanker Thando Manana was unhappy with the ceremony.

"Thando has been through a tribal initiation and was concerned that after attaining manhood he should be treated as a boy again. I had to tell white players why this was such a delicate issue," Sam said.

Springbok coach Harry Viljoen played down the reports saying, "As it turned out it was one of the most special nights in my life (as a new Bok coach) and in the careers of every new Bok squad member. There was nothing barbaric about the occasion (as has been reported), nothing sinister and nothing outrageous."