Verdict

OK, time now for my tuppence ha'penny's worth on Saturday's Lions Test.

First things first. I missed the game owing to commitments at aforementioned kids' school summer fête. Idiot.

From what I have seen and read it was an enthralling epic of a game.

After a hugely committed and brave performance from the Lions I think we can safely say that pride is restored after the 2005 fiasco in New Zealand.

The scoreboard doesn't lie - ultimately the Boks deserve their series victory.

Turning to the gouging issue, let's set aside the actions of Mr Burger (utterly appalling) and the match officials (utterly gutless) and the disciplinary committee (utterly inadequate) - the most sickening aspect of this affair is undoubtedly the utterly shameful behaviour of South African coach Peter de Villiers since the match concluded.

De Villiers comments that gouging was "part of sport" and that if we were "going to complain about every incident we might as well go to a ballet shop and all get tutus and get a great dancing show on for all to see that has no eye-gouging, no tackling, no nothing and we can all in enjoy it" were utterly unacceptable and bring the game into disrepute.

The SARU have apologised but it is not enough. Mr de Villiers should make a full public apology or resign.