Your rugby evening headlines for Wednesday, August 10.
Former Springbok hospitalised after alleged assault
Ex-South Africa centre Grant Esterhuizen alleges that he was assaulted outside a bar in Nelspruit following the Springboks' victory over New Zealand last Saturday.
Esterhuizen, who played seven matches for the Springboks after making his debut in 2000 was at the bar after attending the match at Mbombela Stadium.
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“We were standing outside (the club) and this one guy comes to me and says he feels like he wants to hit me,” he told JacarandaFM.
“I turned my back towards him and carried on with my conversation and the next thing I got hit really hard from the side. That’s pretty much the last of what I can remember.”
The 46-year-old said he was knocked out after being hit by a helmet but it has been reported that no lasting damage was done after posting pictures of himself in hospital on social media.
“I’m pretty straightforward. When I have a couple of drinks, I always say I’m a lover and not a fighter.
“This was just one of those random acts of violence.
“The guys looked like they belonged to a motorcycle club. They were out to hurt someone.”
Dragons clarify pre-season cancellation
Dragons RFC have been moved to clarify events that led to the cancellation of their pre-season fixture against RGC.
Dean Ryan's side had been due to travel north on August 27 but RGC, who are headed up by former Dragons boss Ceri Jones, released a statement saying the game was off because the Dragons "couldn't raise a side".
The Rodney Parade club have now issued a statement of their own, hitting back at 'inaccuracies' and insist they informed RGC of the situation on July 3.
"Dragons RFC informed RGC on July 3 that we would be unable to fulfil a proposed fixture with them at the end of August.
"This game was scheduled to be a Development/Academy fixture. The first team squad and senior Academy members have a fixture with Bristol Bears at Rodney Parade that weekend.
"The game was arranged with the understanding we would require Premiership players to fulfil the fixture. However, the new season structure meant that this was not possible.
"We are disappointed to see some of the inaccuracies that have been reported over this cancelled fixture.
"We wish RGC every success for the season ahead and look forward to taking part in future Development/Academy fixtures with them in North Wales."
Senior Dragons and fringe players will be required for the Bristol clash the night before, while Ebbw Vale play a pre-season friendly against Cross Keys on August 25.
Savea 'disturbed' and 'ashamed' over Foster criticism
Former All Blacks star Julian Savea has leapt to the defence of under-fire head coach Ian Foster, who is clinging to his job after losing five in his last six Test matches.
The slump has drawn furious criticism from fans and pundits alike in New Zealand, with a handful of his assistants - including ex-Scarlets boss Brad Mooar - losing their jobs after the dismal Ireland series.
But Savea feels the criticism has gone too far, particularly on social media.
"Shocked and disturbed at some of the comments and remarks I've seen and heard about Ian Foster on social media lately," Savea wrote on his Twitter account.
"In a country where mental health is a big issue, where 72% of suicides are men and a high number of depression amongst men, you would think people would be a bit kinder and think about their words before they make remarks on someone's integrity, appearance and character, especially when they don't know them on a personal level.
"I'm ashamed that this is how a human is treated and dragged in the media here in NZ."
Barrett 'feared the worst' instantly
All Blacks star Beauden Barrett admits he feared the worst when he landed on his neck after a mid-air collision with Kurt-Lee Arendse during Saturday's match against South Africa.
Barrett was forced from the field in the second half and Arendse was removed after his head collided with the fly-half's hip. The Springbok winger also received a red card and a four-week ban for his troubles.
Happily, though, Barrett is okay ahead of the rematch this weekend after what could have been an extremely serious incident.
“It was quite a big collision and I did think the worst instantly; especially when I was on the ground and – I can’t remember who it was – told me to stay still,” he said.
“It wasn’t until (the doctor) came on and asked me ‘can you move your fingers? Your toes?’ – I was relieved to have passed those tests. I eventually sat up and was able to walk off and get on with it.
“But there was a fearful period there for a minute or so where you do think of the worst. It’s quite scary when you go over backwards and you find yourself come down on your head and shoulders.”
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