Springbok great Bakkies Botha says he does not for a ‘single second’ regret an incident in 2010 when he head-butted All Blacks scrumhalf Jimmy Cowan.

In an interview with French rugby publication Midi Olympique, Bakkies was asked about the controversial moment that took place during a Tri-Nations match at Eden Park in Auckland in 2010.

The act of foul play was missed by match officials, but Botha was cited afterwards and suspended for nine weeks.

When asked whether he had any regrets, Botha was emphatic: ‘No, not a single second. And if I were to relive this situation, I would do the exact same thing!’

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‘That day in Auckland I was battling with Cowan following a kick. I was faster than him. I had passed him and he pulled me by the shirt to slow me down. When I caught up with him ten metres away, I made him understand that I hadn’t liked it … I hate injustice.

‘It’s not something I’m proud of. I kind of dropped the Springboks that day. And Jimmy Cowan won the mini battle. But I would react in exactly the same way today … it’s still the fault of the No 9. They talk too much and know better than anyone how to get you out of the game.’

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