De Villiers throws first punch

Springbok coach Peter De Villiers is accusing Australia of intentionally dropping scrums to “milk” penalties.

De Villiers says that dirty antics like this are an Australian “mindset” which they are prepared to use to steal victory. “…the Wallabies would rather give away a penalty than let you have the upper hand at scrums, this can really make a difference.

“They know they are busy losing, but they will try to milk a penalty from the other side. So we will have to see how we match up to them,” states De Villiers

De Villiers strategy of mental intimidation comes just a few days before the Springboks clash with the Wallabies at Newlands on Saturday. The Australian team appear to be unbothered by the brash accusations. Wallabies loose head prop Benn Robinson says that Australia would never stoop that low.

“I don’t understand why he would say we bring down scrums, I enjoy scrumming…Its no issue for us really,” says Robinson. Aussie media were less modest than Robinson and one on line site labeled him “crazy” and “outlandish.”

Wallabies forward Nathan Sharpe patronized De Villiers statement, “didn’t work very well last game,” he says. Sharpe also referred to the test match they played against New Zealand last month, when the Wallabies were repeatedly punished by South African referee Craig Joubert.

Tight-head prop Al Baxter was continuously penalized for apparently binding incorrectly in the scrum. “A lot of it comes down to the ref’s interpretation and unfortunately in that match we came out the wrong side of that.

“I don’t think any team in the world would use those tactics because it’s very risky.

“…Certainly, giving away penalties like we did in Auckland is not going to help anyone’s cause, we are busy fixing that problem before Saturday’s match,” explains Sharpe.

Tensions are bubbling as the Springboks and Wallabies prepare for their battle on Saturday. Both teams will keep the same starting line-up with the exception been Springbok wing Peter Hynes, who has been selected as substitute for the match.