De Villiers' conspiracy theory on referees

SOUTH Africa coach Peter de Villiers has implied that his Springboks could be the victims of a conspiracy designed to bolster the World Cup in New Zealand next year.

De Villiers has questioned the interpretations of two Irish referees in the Springboks' two losses to the All Blacks in New Zealand in the Tri-Nations tournament. The South African Rugby Union has asked its legal representative to get an explanation for what they consider inconsistent decision making.

"I've got my own observations about the last two Tests, and maybe I can't say it in public, but we do have a World Cup in New Zealand next year and maybe it was the right thing for them to win the games so they can attract more people next year," De Villiers told Australia's Fox TV yesterday.

De Villiers has questioned why South African players were sin-binned for infringements at the breakdown in both losses to New Zealand, yet All Blacks captain Richie McCaw was penalised repeatedly and cautioned for infringements at the breakdown and remained on the field.

He said the defending champion Springboks were playing by the same rules they had encountered in the Super 14 competition - in which two South African teams reached the final - and was dismayed that the interpretations could be so different.

De Villiers earlier suggested his team might have to bend the rules, or be "street smart," to get around the rule interpretations in Saturday's match against Australia at Brisbane. Another Irishman, George Clancy, will control the tussle.

Springboks vice captain Victor Matfield said South Africa needed to adapt to the referee's law interpretations. "It's just doing stupid things out of our character that we have to cut out," he said. "It's just one of many areas South Africa must improve to keep our title defence alive."