DURBAN - The All Blacks have not bothered with spectator-tackling practice in Durban this week, confident there will be no repeat of the incident involving Pieter van Zyl in last year's test in Durban.
Van Zyl, the angry Springbok supporter who ran on to the field and attacked referee David McHugh,
dislocating the Irishman's shoulder, has reportedly bought a ticket to tomorrow's test at Pretoria.
That is despite receiving a life ban from the South African Rugby Football Union.
That news has not bothered the All Black players, although flanker Richie McCaw still has vivid memories of the incident at Kings Park.
"I'm not sure how he managed to get out on to the field, but it happened," McCaw said.
"I guess everyone remembers the game for that incident, but you would have to ask the question of how, if something like that happened again."
McCaw was the first player to react when van Zyl grabbed McHugh, aiming a punch and then helping separate the pair.
Some of the Springboks forwards followed up with some rougher tactics when van Zyl was on the ground.
The incident remains a sore point for the South Africans. This week, veteran halfback Joost van der Westhuizen, who did not play in last year's test, spoke of the mental impact it had on the Springboks.
"Last year there was a bit of unhappiness with the guy running on the field," van der Westhuizen said. "It's time that we focused on our own game and kept out all the external factors."
The South African union has reviewed its ground security since the incident and McCaw was heartened to hear Loftus Versfeld has cage-like fences between the crowd and the field.
"They'll be doing well to get out there if that's the case."
- NZPA
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