Statement from Springbok coach, Heyneke Meyer, on the two-week suspension handed to lock Eben Etzebeth:
“We take note of the decision by SANZAR to suspend Eben for two weeks for contravening Law 10.4 (a) Punching or Striking after he was cited during our match at the weekend against Australia in The Castle Rugby Championship.
“Losing Eben is a big setback in a very important week of our preparation, but I have the utmost confidence in the players that are in New Zealand with us. We will only make a decision on a possible replacement later in the week.
“We will not appeal the decision.”
To listen to an edited recording of Monday’s media conference in Auckland, with Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer and team doctor Craig Roberts, follow the link: http://images.supersport.com/120910MediaConferenceinAuckland.mp3