• Switch Edition Venter appeal date set October 19, 1999
Brendan Venter's appeal against a three-week ban for stamping
will be heard in Cardiff on Wednesday. The World Cup
disciplinary commission suspended Venter on Monday, after he had
been sent off in the Springbok's final pool game against Uruguay
for stamping on flanker Martin Panizza. However Springbok coach
Nick Mallett has expressed confidence that the appeal will be
successful. The appeal is based on the argument that Venter
acted without any malice and claims that Venter attempted to
ruck the ball out of Panizza's hands while the flanker was lying
on the ground. As he went in with his feet, Springbok scrum-half
Joost vander Westhuizen grabbed the ball out of the Uruguayan's
hands and Venter raked Panizza against the head with his studs.
Venter's enforced departure is galling for the Springboks
because he has been one of the few successes in a disappointing
start to their defence of the Webb Ellis Trophy.  Live Scores