The Isuzu Southern Kings have been dealt a heavy blow ahead of their Guinness PRO14 clash against the Cheetahs at the Madibaz Stadium in Port Elizabeth on Friday.
Powerhouse prop Pieter Scholtz has been handed a three-match ban for eye-gouging during the Kings’ 38-0 loss to Edinburgh at Murrayfield last Saturday,
Scholtz was reported by the citing commissioner for alleged infringement of Law 9.12: “A player must not physically abuse anyone. Physical abuse includes but is not limited to, contact with eye area.”
The disciplinary committee deemed that the offence merited a red card with a low-range entry point of four weeks, reduced to three weeks by mitigating factors.
The disciplinary committee – Michael Coghlan (chair), George Spotswood and Donal Courtney (all Ireland) – concluded that the player had committed an act of foul play, of contact to the eye area.
This means Scholtz will be unavailable for the two derby matches against the Cheetahs and the home fixture against Edinburgh in Port Elizabeth.
Apart from Scholtz, other doubtful starters for Friday’s clash are centre Tertius Kruger (hand injury) and fullback Masixole Banda (leg).
Since his team’s return from Scotland, Kings head coach Deon Davids has been drilling his men for the muchanticipated derby.
“We have had to be critical of our own game after our first match of the year against Edinburgh. We have a few things we need to work hard on ahead of the important derby against the Cheetahs,” he said.
“The Cheetahs have had a good start with a win this past weekend over Zebre.
“They are a good side which we have to be well prepared for when we face them next week. We are expecting a tough match against them which should live up to the traditional South African derby.”
Friday’s match kicks off at 7pm.