SOUTH AFRICA

Hoskins in hot water

Tuesday 22nd July 2008

Loud mouth: Oregan Hoskins faces a possible fine from SANZAR

South Africa Rugby Union (SARU) president Oregan Hoskins could be in hot water for querying SANZAR's disciplinary procedures following the three-week ban of Springbok hooker Bismarck du Plessis.

Hoskins said earlier this week he might face a fine over remarks he had made after South Africa's historic Tri-Nations win over the All Blacks in Dunedin two weeks ago.

The SARU president was furious after Du Plessis had been suspended for three weeks by a SANZAR disciplinary committee for "recklessly making contact" with All Black flanker Adam Thomson's eye socket.

SANZAR is the body that administers rugby between teams from South Africa, New Zealand and Australia.

"I've heard I may be fined NZ$20 000. I don't know if it will happen because I have not been told by official sources. I hope they don't mean A$20 000," Hoskins told Supersport.

Hoskins feels the punishments imposed by SANZAR's disciplinary committees are inconsequent. He was especially upset because Du Plessis's actions were regarded as more serious than New Zealand lock Brad Thorn's dangerous tackle on Springbok captain John Smit in the Tri-Nations opener in Wellington the week before.

"I feel strongly about it," he said.

"I don't want to be in any deeper trouble but we have to address the matter.

"I have already written to Tim Gresson, chairman of SANZAR's disciplinary committee. It is encouraging that he received it in the right spirit and that he will review the whole matter."

Hoskins has also expressed doubts about Australian referees appointed to handle Tri-Nations matches.

"I may be wrong but at the moment we have to appoint referees from the SANZAR countries. I know there is a major debate about it because there is a feeling that the Australian referees are not up to standard."

Hoskins knows he has to count his words, though.

"If I'm fined, I'll be insolvent. I am, in any case, the worst paid SARU president. I'll probably have to go beg for help from the sponsors," he joked.