British & Irish Lions fullback Stuart Hogg has denied he bit rival Willie le Roux on the arm during Saturday’s tempestuous 27-9 defeat to South Africa after accusations surfaced on social media following the match.
A scuffle involving most of the players on the pitch took place in an ill-tempered first half, with Hogg and Le Roux squaring up. The Scotsman can be seen with his face buried in Le Roux’s arm, but he has denied any wrongdoing.
“Following speculation that has surfaced online, I would like to categorically deny any foul play in last night’s game,” Hogg said in a statement released by the Lions on Sunday.
“I would never bite an opponent and I am annoyed and upset by this unsubstantiated accusation. I’ve always been proud of playing rugby in the spirit of the game.
“Respect to the Springboks for their deserved win yesterday. The squad is hurting after last night’s defeat, but it’s all to play for next week. It’s going to be a cup final and everyone’s going to be up for it.”
Le Roux and the South Africa side have not commented on the accusations.
There were a number of flashpoints and incidents of foul play during the match, with both teams reduced to 14 players after yellow cards for the Lions’ South African-born wing Duhan van der Merwe and Bok flyer Cheslin Kolbe.
Kolbe was fortunate not to get a red card when he connected with airborne Lions scrumhalf Conor Murray, an incident that could yet get the attention of the citing commissioner.
The series is locked at 1-1 heading into the third and final match at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
Highlander
Roar Guru
He doesnt have a great record either - 12 weeks at least for this one
Harry Jones
Expert
It appears Willie got gummed! Haha! No, it looks like the one we weren’t talking about (Sinckler) might actually have chomped, and left an imprint. Strangest series gets stranger.
Neil Back
Roar Rookie
Never seen anyone bitten or gouged not react by pointing to the offended area Harry. In nearly 30 seconds of remonstrations, Willie never did. Conviction by internet?
Double Agent
Guest
Is it just me or have quite a few comments on this thread disappeared?
Short Arm
Roar Rookie
Willie should come forward & clear Hogg, but has to tow the company line to paint the Lions as dirty. Don't know how any of you can tell from the footage that there was a bite in there. Only Willie & Hogg would know.
Adsa
Roar Rookie
Still bitter Doc?, maintain that rage.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
What purpose might be served by chomping on a sleeve so as not to leave a mark? Couldn’t he request some floss? I’ve no time whatsoever for biting and hope Sinckler wears the book if proven but I’m similarly cool on making accusations against players that can’t be proven
Double Agent
Guest
"I'm not saying I agree with what Rassie did, but..."
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
Feel free to say it.. I've got broad shoulders.
piru
Roar Rookie
Exactly my point though. I can't just have a problem with Erasmus' nonsense, I must be anti South African. Berry can't have seen the event differently to you, he must be a cheat. Pretty much trumpism, allocate a position to the other person then fight it
piru
Roar Rookie
Deleted
Double Agent
Guest
:laughing: :laughing:
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
I'm not saying he is anti South African but...
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
:stoked: In Zulu vernacular ” Ai”! means WTF ….? :stoked:
Piet Vorster
Guest
Apparently lions do that as well…
AiDoc
Guest
The Slave Trading Opium Pushers, (STOPs), and their Celtic colonies have always been in betrayal of the spirit of rugby. The racist Gerrymander that runs World Rugby ensures they continue to get away with blue murder. Watch the dive by a Cheating and Bleating Lion in the foreground of the melee. He should have got a red card for bad acting and banned for life. The Scots may be the worst after their appalling attacks on the referee when they were beaten at an R.W.C. and also their pathetic whingeing in Japan because a typhoon forced a change in the schedule. Fortunately, Japan whopped them! More Scots were owners during the dark ages of slavery than any even the STOPs. They are an entitled lot. I have no doubt that he bit him and that he meant to. Christians the lot of them!
piru
Roar Rookie
Classic SA tactic: "I'm not saying he's a dog, but..." See also "I'm not saying he's a cheat, but..." "I'm not saying he's a racist, but..."
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
I don't see how that advances the argument.
Harry Jones
Expert
I think Hogg chomped on the sleeve, so it didn’t leave discernible marks on Willie. Dodged one! But Mostert apparently does bear the evidence of Sinckler sinking his teeth into him. Could be trouble for the weepy prop.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Sinckler being cited has SFA to do with whether Hogg did anything. There’s been no citing yet so you should cool your jets