Botha loses appeal, misses third Lions test

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa lock Bakkies Botha will miss Saturday's third and final test against the British and Irish Lions after losing his appeal against a two-week ban, the South African Rugby Union said on Thursday.

Botha was suspended for a dangerous charge on Lions prop Adam Jones in the second test which left the Welshman with a dislocated shoulder.

South Africa flanker Schalk Burger was banned on Sunday for eight weeks after being found guilty of gouging the eyes of Lions winger Luke Fitzgerald during the same match.

Burger's attack on Fitzgerald in the opening minute of South Africa's 28-25 win has prompted the International Rugby Board (IRB) to review penalties for eye-gouging.

"There is no place in rugby for illegal or foul play and the act of eye gouging is particularly heinous," an IRB statement said.

The IRB will also review whether to allow the opposition and the governing body to enter the appeals process instead of just the player involved.

World champions South Africa, who have an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, and the Lions were due to announce their teams for the third test in Johannesburg later on Thursday.