South African Rugby president Oregan Hoskins claims Peter de Villiers' misconduct hearing this week is nothing more than Australia and New Zealand launching a vendetta against the union.

Hoskins told South Africa's Cape Argus newspaper that the SANZAR disciplinary hearing, to be held in Cape Town on Friday, was "a declaration of war by Australia and New Zealand against South Africa".

Springboks coach De Villiers will front up over controversial comments he made on Australia's Fox Sports rugby club program.

He said 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."

The comments were directed at Irish referees Alan Lewis and Alain Rolland, after South Africa's two Test losses to New Zealand in Auckland and Wellington.

Hoskins stated: "We are right behind Peter and will defend him to the hilt."

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