By Jonathon Moore Rugby union editor

When Mike Tyson savagely removed part of Evander Holyfield's ear with his teeth, his actions were regarded as the work of a mad man.

Worldwide condemnation followed and what was left of his reputation as a sporting great was buried for good.

Toutai Kefu is the latest player to suffer at the hands of the Springboks

Psychologists discussed the reasoning - or lack of it - behind Tyson's actions, with many citing his frustration at losing his legendary prowess as a possible cause for his momentary insanity.

After all, what is a sportsman to do when he no longer commands the respect - or skills - he once had?

It is a question applicable both to individual stars and - in the case of the Springboks - entire teams and even sporting institutions.

South Africa's display of explicit aggression against Australia on Saturday was described by Aussie coach Eddie Jones as "disgraceful".

Springbok pair banned

If anything his comments showed restraint.

Australia number eight Toutai Kefu was stretchered off the field after a shocking late and high tackle from Robbie Kempson - the same player who had forecast a "confrontational" match.

Australia hooker Brendan Cannon complained of eye gouging and biting and captain George Gregan was one of many 'taken out' off the ball, in what proved to be yet another bruising encounter.

Charges of overt aggression against the Springboks are nothing new. Rugby remains at the heart of Afrikaner culture - one that rarely shies away from confrontation.

As a result, South Africa has produced some of the most aggressive - and talented - players ever to grace the field.

Have Your Say Did the Springboks go too far?

But times are hard in South Africa rugby and lacking skilful footballers, coach Rudolph Straeuli has chosen to concentrate instead on brawn.

The controlled aggression of the past has made way for a dangerous style of play that does little for the image of the game.

The two yellow cards awarded to South Africa on Saturday follows a mass brawl in last season's corresponding fixture.

And at Twickenham last November, England coach Clive Woodward was left fuming when Jonny Wilkinson was hit late and suffered a shoulder injury.

Jannes Labuschagne was red carded at Twickenham

Television footage highlighted 11 cases of foul play from the South Africa captain Corne Krige.

After the game England full-back Jason Robinson, another to suffer a traditional Springbok 'welcome', called on Straeuli's side to alter their focus.

"Perhaps they should concentrate on playing rather than maiming," he said.

South African rugby authorities later fined several players, but in his after-match press conference Straeuli refused to accept his side, who had been outplayed 53-3, had adopted illegal tactics.

The difference in interpretation could not have been more telling.

While England complained of brutality, Straeuli preferred to congratulate his team, declaring: "They went as boys and came back as men.

HAVE YOUR SAY It appears that SA Rugby is attracting headlines for all the wrong reasons From Herman, England Join the debate

"We didn't get the results we wanted but at the end with 14 men they showed huge character."

Such comments have won South Africa few friends of late and unless both Straeuli and Krige attempt to instil a new sense of responsibility into their players, the Springboks are in dire danger of disgracing the sport.

With the World Cup just weeks away, this should be a time when rugby union dominates the headlines for all the right reasons.

Instead, fans of the game are left with the bitter-sweet memory of Kefu strewn motionless on the pitch.

So savage was Kempson's tackle, that at the very least his ban should keep him out of the Rugby World Cup. But Straeuli too must accept some of the blame.

Unless he quickly brings about a change in rugby culture in South Africa, the International Rugby Board could be left to pick up the pieces down under at the sport's showcase tournament.