Springbok midfielder Jaque Fourie has appealed his four-week ban for a spear tackle on All Black centre Ma'a Nonu during Saturday's Tri-Nations title victory in Hamilton.

Fourie appeared before the judicial officer, Paul Tully, at a hearing held in Hamilton on Sunday after being cited by Citing Commissioner Scott Nowland for the tackle on Nonu in the 70th minute of the match.

The Bok centre believes that Tully was wrong to rule that he had breached rule 10.4 (i) with his tackle.

Fourie's agent, Peet van Zyl confirmed to this website that the player has already lodged a written appeal and they are awaiting Sanzar's response. Van Zyl also said that Fourie did not plead guilty in Sunday's hearing.

"Obviously I wasn't in New Zealand when he received the ban but we have lodged an appeal already," Van Zyl told us.

"We are waiting for them to come back to us with their findings and we hope to have it as soon as possible.

"We have looked at the different options and they may lessen the ban but first prize would be for them to overturn the ruling."

SA Rugby spokesperson Andy Colquhoun said that they are aware of the appeal and the player has the Union's full support.

Fourie's ban has highlighted the inconsistencies that have plagued South Africa's international season in 2009.

The Springboks launched a protest action in the final Test against the British and Irish Lions after lock Bakkies Botha was banned for illegally clearing a ruck.

The South African Rugby Union, skipper John Smit and the players were all subsequently fined by the International Rugby Board for their actions.