Schalk and Akker cited as coaches condemn fist-fight

Hookers Schalk Brits (Bulls) and Armand van der Merwe (Sharks) have been cited following a punch-up during their Super Rugby match in Durban on Saturday.

The opposing numbers broke out into a fist-fight in the 58th minute and both players were sent off as a result.

The Bulls won the match 19-16.

Both players, alleged to have contravened Law 9.12 – concerning physical abuse – will have their cases heard by Sanzaar Foul Play Review Committee on Monday.

Sharks coach Robert du Preez was phlegmatic about the prospect of losing one of his star players, particularly given that two of his centres – Jeremy Ward and Marius Louw – have already been suspended for dangerous tackles.

“It’s a tough one. In the heat of the moment those things do happen, but we can’t condone that,” he said.

“We’ve got to control ourselves better. That’s not great.”

The Bulls won’t be thrilled at potentially being forced to see their veteran Brits, who’s still an integral part of Rassie Erasmus’ Springbok plans at the World Cup, sitting in the stands for a few weeks.

Coach Pote Human labelled the incident as “unfortunate”.

“It’s unfortunate that these things happen in the game,” he said.

“In the little bit I did see there was the fist from Akker, but something obviously triggered it so we will have a look. It wasn’t a nice game. It was ugly, but we will take this win.”

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