Bakkies Botha 'is a nutter'

OPINION: When Bakkies Botha finally departs this world for the great scrum in the sky, his brain should be donated to the medical fraternity to allow doctors to explore what demons lurk inside the big man's hard drive.

By all accounts, Botha is a decent bloke – when not wearing rugby boots.

A religious and devoted family man, he has, in the past, said all the right things about the need to have an edge to his game – but denied that he deliberately goes out to maim opponents.

But as halfback Jimmy Cowan discovered in Saturday night's test at Eden Park, the massive Springboks lock is no playful puppy on the field. Incensed at the All Black tugging at his jersey in the opening minutes, Botha delivered a crude head butt that, if it had connected properly, could have knocked the Southlander senseless.

Yesterday, Botha paid the price when he was suspended for nine weeks.

"Yeah, well, I'm not surprised," was All Blacks coach Graham Henry's reaction. "He's got a history. He's probably lucky he didn't get more than nine weeks."

This incident was the latest in a raft of nasty incidents that have blighted Botha's career and it is not only international opponents who have felt his wrath. Crusaders fans might recall he was rubbed out of the Bulls' Super 14 semifinal in Soweto because he had been suspended for smashing Stormers fullback Gio Aplon in a ruck cleanout.

Last year Botha copped a three-week rest for belting Waratahs skipper Phil Waugh and was later controversially banned for two weeks for a dangerous charge on British and Irish Lions prop Adam Jones. Ironically, Botha was innocent on that occasion, with even Jones stating the suspension was unwarranted. Yet many people felt it was karma catching up with him.

In late 2002, Botha announced his arrival on the international circuit by being yellow-carded for stomping in his test debut against France and the following year he received an eight-week holiday for attacking the face of Wallaby hooker Brendan Cannon.

Yet, off the field, the polite Botha is a pleasant and engaging media interview subject. In previous seasons he has spoken to The Press about his love for his children and how he enjoys discussing family matters with opponents such as Brad Thorn after matches.

Following a test in Durban several seasons ago – a rough encounter that involved Richie McCaw repeatedly being targeted – the players retreated to a lounge bar at Kings Park, although Botha was notable for his absence. Instead, he sat in a quiet area next door, playing with his small children away from the hubbub of talking heads and clinking glasses.

It was in stark contrast to the menacing fellow charging around in the green and gold No4 jersey several hours earlier.

However, the Springboks coaches must be asking themselves whether they can field such a loose cannon as they prepare for the Rugby World Cup next year.

Henry has clearly had enough of Botha's antics. Only time will tell whether his South African counterpart Peter de Villiers feels the same.

- © Fairfax NZ News