Rugby: Peter De Villiers cleared of misconduct charge.

South Africa coach Peter de Villiers has escaped punishment over his alleged claim that referees are under orders to favour New Zealand ahead of next year's World Cup.

De Villiers made the remarks on Australian television on July 21 after the world champion Springboks were beaten 32-12 and 31-17 by the All Blacks in their first two Tri-Nations matches of the season.During an interview on Australian TV, de Villiers appeared to suggest that officials were showing a clear bias towards the All Blacks and was summoned to appear before SANZAR (South Africa, New Zealand and Australian Rugby) judicial officer Jannie Lubbe in Cape Town last week to explain his comments and Lubbe cleared de Villiers of any wrongdoing.

"I've got my own observations about the last two tests, and I can't say it in public," De Villiers said.

"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 to the games next year." The charge of misconduct was dismissed by Jannie Lubbe after a hearing last Friday.

A statement issued by SANZAR on Tuesday read: "Mr Lubbe heard the case on Friday 6 August 2010 and after considering the evidence decided that, on balance of probability, Mr De Villiers had not breached the SANZAR code of conduct.

"Mr Lubbe stated that during his interview ... Mr De Villiers never mentioned or referred to referees or match fixing." De Villiers said he was satisfied with the outcome of the hearing.

"As the verdict makes clear, at no time did I mention referees or a conspiracy and the finding has put this whole incident into context," he added in a South Africa Rugby Union media release.

De Villiers had made his controversial comments in the wake of successive defeats by the All Blacks on New Zealand soil.

He told Fox Sportsl: "I've got my own observations about the last two Tests, and 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 to the games next year."

South Africa, who also lost their third Tri-Nations test against Australia and cannot retain their title, next face New Zealand in Johannesburg on Aug. 21.

Rugby: SANZAR reserve judgment until Monday on Peter de Villiers charges of misconduct

South Africa coach Peter de Villiers will learn Monday whether he'll be sanctioned following his misconduct hearing Friday.De Villiers was charged by SANZAR, the governing body for South Africa, New Zealand and Australia's combined rugby competitions, for criticizing the performance of Tri-Nations referees and implying a conspiracy to boost the All Blacks' popularity for their home World Cup next year.SANZAR judicial officer Jannie Lubbe led the hearing in Cape Town. The hearing will held at the South African Rugby Union offices. SANZAR said in a statement he expected to announce his judgment Monday.De Villiers immediately left the hearing and did not speak to reporters.Following two great thrashings of the Springboks by the All Blacks in New Zealand, both refereed by Irishmen Alan Lewis and Alain Rolland, de Villiers questioned their rulings on Fox Sports' 'Rugby Club' program in Australia. That program was held on July 21."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 to the games next year," de Villiers said.He clarified the remarks two days later. "My comment during the Rugby Club interview was based on the general view that part of the success of any World Cup event rests on the fact that the host nation has a winning team," he said in a statement."Nevertheless, I regret that this may have created the wrong impression and raised undue concern for SANZAR and the RWC 2011 organizers." he also said. This week, SARU president Oregan Hoskins called the SANZAR charge "a declaration of war by Australia and New Zealand against South Africa," and promised to defend de Villiers "to the hilt."The Springboks' next outing is against the All Blacks on Aug. 21 in Johannesburg.

Mitchell escapes without further punishment

Wallabies winger Drew Mitchell has escaped further sanction after being sent off in Saturday night’s Tri Nations thrashing by the All Blacks.Mitchell had to face a judiciary hearing on Sunday morning after being marched in the 43rd minute for his second yellow card offence during the 49-28 defeat at Etihad Stadium.However SANZAR judicial officer Peter Ingwersen obviously felt missing almost half the match was penalty enough as he decided no further penalty was required.Mitchell had earlier been sinbinned for a late, no-arms tackle on All Blacks captain Richie McCaw and was red carded by referee Craig Joubert when he slowed down play by knocking the ball from Kiwi fullback Mils Muliaina’s hands as he gestured to take a quick throw-in.

Watch the red car of Mitchell: