England forward Tom Curry accused Springboks hooker Bongi Mbonambi of serious verbal abuse during the World Cup semi-final – but Springboks fans suggest the England flanker might have misunderstood what was said.
Curry approached referee Ben O’Keeffe in the 23rd minute of South Africa’s one-point win and asked him, “Sir, if their hooker calls me a white c–t, what do I do?”
O’Keeffe said “nothing, please, ” and then added “I’ll be on it.”
There was no evidence of the Curry claim immediately available through the microphones.
Curry was asked about the incident in the mixed zone after the game. He confirmed something was said to him by Mbonambi, but would not go into detail, adding: “It doesn’t need to be talked about.”
After the game Mbonambi slapped away an offered handshake by Curry.
South Africa Rugby released a statement on Sunday.
“We are aware of the allegation, which we take very seriously, and are reviewing the available evidence. We will engage with Bongi if anything is found to substantiate the claim,” an SA Rugby statement read.
Springboks assistant coach Deon Davids and England coach Steve Borthwick were both asked about the incident on Sunday and shut down questions.
“Honestly, I’m not aware of that,” said Davids.
“I’m not aware of any comment, it was never discussed, so I’m just not quite sure what the comment was or where it was said, so I don’t know.”
Borthwick said: “I am not going to comment on anything regarding that incident.”
Springbok fans took to social media to defend Mbonambi and give an alternative explanation for what he might have said to Curry.
Fans said it would make sense that Mbonambi used the Afrikaans phrase ‘wit kant’ – which translates to ‘the white side’ in directing his teammates.
World Rugby confirmed there is a 36-hour window from when the game ends for England to lodge a complaint to the citing officer, giving them until 8pm (AEDT) on Monday to act.
The sport’s global governing body can also choose to pursue the matter with any case likely to be brought under the ‘bringing the game into disrepute’ banner.
Also, if the citing officer finds any evidence of the alleged racist remark he can trigger disciplinary proceedings against Mbonambi with an offence such as this likely to contravene law 9.12 – a player must not verbally abuse anyone.
Mbonambi is the only out-and-out hooker in their squad. Deon Fourie has been providing cover for Mbonambi, while back row Marco van Staden has played in the hooker position.
English players were meanwhile upset at some of the Springboks’ reactions after the match.
England skipper Owen Farrell had a heated exchange with Willie le Roux who celebrated in front of the devastated losers.
Willie Le Roux of South Africa celebrates at the final whistle during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between England and South Africa at Stade de France on October 21, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Paul Harding/Getty Images)
Borthwick played that down as well.
“They will handle themselves as they decide to. I believe the England rugby team can have such a positive effect on people. It had a huge impact upon me, I have seen it have an impact on a whole host of people and communities.
“I’ll talk to players about that almost on a daily basis. I want them to have a positive impact everywhere they go. I think I am proud of the way the team has played. I am proud of the way they train and I am also really proud of the way they conduct themselves, that is what we will continue to do.”
Brett Susan
Roar Rookie
Because he was interviewed and that’s his version.
Rajah
Roar Rookie
Hey Harry, again, can you post a link or share the footage you saw? If it is BS, let's all be on the same page. From an article Tony Harper wrote today, it seems that World Rugby may be looking at different footage than most people have assumed. C'mon, let's have it mate!
Prof_Kaos
Roar Rookie
Fortunately le Roux didn't break all traditions and cup his ear to the fans.
ScottD
Roar Guru
I heard plenty from both sides :) Nobody covered themselve in glory from where I sit.
Blink
Roar Rookie
Maybe you should read the article as most here don't seem to have. The South African explanation is 99% plausible and Curry is just a typically thick Pommie having a whinge as the Pommis love to do. Now they have four years to spend complaining, whinging about being losers. That is what they excel at. If Dean has played Football at all in country Australia with First Nations people he would hear the n--g--r ct on a weekly basis directed at his teammates. Of course 60% of Australians are racist but love the denial factor.
NotKev
Roar Rookie
tried but clearly there is an algortyhm that doesnt like using words that show real life and so its been "deleted" .... but try type in necklacing into google in SA / border wars / civil w-ar / TRC cases / forgiven white police .... maybe there might be something that comes up to explain how different ppl have to be there ....plus Tabbers does give a fantastic response to Roger above as a non SA person living there
NotKev
Roar Rookie
Dude that is a primo explanation, bloody well said !!! I reckon every Saffa on here would applaud you for that, plus I need to remember to steal some of you r lines in the future !!! lol Thank you !!
NotKev
Roar Rookie
Riviersonderend ... OMG I cant believe someone else knows that place lol, ijust cant put that name out of my head lol, even remember driving through it on trips lol, never wanted to stop there lol
NotKev
Roar Rookie
dont have the time to write a novel, go to youtube and watch things about sa and history. watch racism on both sides going back to border wars and with malema, watch the KZN riots over covid and Zuma, watch the 1990's shit fight of "civil" war created by our own generals that heaps of us had to fight in to keep the peace and have problems with coz our white generals were prepared to kill white boys to maintain apartheid so using the white boys to kill the black guys on pretext of peace keeping and splitting the main political parties from each other but really they were actually driving in shipping containers of R4 and R5 rifles loaded fully and with crates of ammo and we were put in the middle of this crap.... thing is you cant find much of the old stuff that was on tv every night on youtube now coz it violates their rules. .... then go find how black parents were forgiving cops who killed their kids 5-10-20 years prior in the TRC and similar stories to that. Go look at that info and then see why this is too hard for you guys to comprehend .....
Tabbers
Roar Rookie
I don't imagine they'd be too impressed. Which makes one wonder whether he said what Curry is accusing him of. In saying what is alleged, he'd be insulting his own team mates. Would you do that?
Tabbers
Roar Rookie
You need to remember that most English people also won't have a clue about how to pronounce the words and will fail to understand how Afrikaans is very literal. e.g. Bloemfontein, Swartland, Riviersonderend and a myriad other place names.
Tabbers
Roar Rookie
Afrikaans is a very literal language. Besides, in the absence of aliens I've yet to meet a green person who might get offended, so how would we know. That said, I doubt anyone would misconstrue those phrases if they heard them when spoken in by someone with a strong Afrikaans accent.
Tabbers
Roar Rookie
Afrikaans is a very literal language and not at all like English.
Pom in exile
Roar Rookie
What video?
Tabbers
Roar Rookie
I think his name is Zulu, but that just demonstrates the cultural complexity of South Africa. Either way, he definitely speaks Afrikaans and English. He went to an English speaking school and would have needed to speak fluent Afrikaans to matriculate. I have no doubt he speaks at least one other language, possibly more.
Tabbers
Roar Rookie
Rubbish!
Tabbers
Roar Rookie
His name suggests he is Zulu, therefore his first language would be Zulu, but it could also be Afrikaans depending on what language his parents spoke at home. He went to an Anglican private school where English is spoken, but he would have spoken Afrikaans well and would have to be fluent to matriculate from school. Like most South Africans, he speaks at least three languages will be able to interchange between them with ease.
Tabbers
Roar Rookie
You will never hear it in South Africa. When I first moved to SA I used it a couple of times and the abject horror on people's faces. Besides, they have their own words which I now use, just as South Africans are using yours in the UK.
Tabbers
Roar Rookie
Well said. I'm English and been living in South Africa for six years and am only now starting to understand the complexities of race. A few years ago someone said to me that everything is viewed through a kaleidoscope of race. That's not racism, just the complexities of cultural difference in one country. Others only understand others once they know what heritage they have. As for language South Africans put the English to shame. In my line of work I often come across people who speak three or more languages and will interchange between them during a conversation. That said, I've never once heard the C word from anyone.
Guess
Roar Rookie
Lol he said it in 23th minute. They were leading