RBS 6 Nations

Botha, the Springboks lock, was suspended on Sunday for a challenge on Adam Jones which left the British and Irish Lions prop with a dislocated shoulder.

South Africa felt Botha’s attempts at clearing out the ruck had been legal.

Assistant coach Dick Muir said: “We certainly don’t see any wrong-doing in that challenge and if it wasn’t for the injury which came from it, I don’t think anything would have been said about it.

“It is a major concern for us.”

The Springboks’ lawyers received a copy of the initial hearing report this morning and are hopeful the appeal can be scheduled before Saturday’s third Test against the Lions.

South Africa will not be appealing against Schalk Burger’s eight-week suspension for making contact with the eye area of Lions winger Luke Fitzgerald.