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Boks coach Peter de Villiers - Source: Photosport -
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Springboks coach Peter de Villiers has thrown his support behind accused murderer and Bulls rugby prop Bees Roux.
After an horrific incident in Pretoria early last Friday, 29-year-old Roux was charged with beating a police officer to death.
The outspoken de Villiers said his team "supports Bees Roux 100 per cent".
"Nothing must stand in our way between now and the World Cup and the players have to be strong enough to deal with all kinds of psychological issues and domestic circumstances," the coach told South African media in Bloemfontein, where the Boks will meet the Wallabies on Sunday morning.
"For instance, how will the Bees Roux tragedy affect those who know him well? We must deal with everything that comes our way."
The South African players had discussed the incident which has made headlines in the Republic, de Villiers said.
"We feel for all South Africans, especially rugby players, and while we do not defend the act (of Roux), we sympathise with the tragedy," he said.
"It is an unfortunate reality that these things can happen to anybody.
"The team supports Bees 100 per cent, not on the deed, but rather on the circumstances that led to the situation developing."
Roux, who claims he acted in self defence when he thought he was being robbed, will plead not guilty and has been granted bail.
The 120kg front-rower has played 31 Super 14 games for the Bulls.
