The Springboks wore armbands during the 28-9 defeat at Coca Cola Park on Saturday as a symbol of solidarity for second row Bakkies Botha, following the upholding of his two-week suspension by an independent appeal committee for dangerously charging into a ruck without binding on a player.

Botha was cited and subsequently banned following the second Test in Pretoria, a game in which Lions prop Adam Jones suffered a dislocated shoulder as a result of Botha's actions.

The IRB believes the protest was in breach of its regulations relating to the Game, including breaches of the IRB Code of Conduct.

The IRB takes the view that such an act demonstrates a clear disregard of the disciplinary process and does so in a manner which brings, or has the potential to bring, the Game into disrepute.

The matter will now be referred to the independent judicial panel chairman, who will appoint a judicial officer or committee, with the IRB having notified the South Africa Rugby Union that it intends to begin the disciplinary proceedings.