It is the British daily The Telegraph which reveals the facts. Supporting audio evidence (below). In the 23rd minute of the World Cup semi-final between England and South Africa, Tom Curry approached New Zealand referee Ben O’Keeffe and asked: “Sir, sir, If the opposing hooker (Bongi Mbonambi) calls me a “white cunt”, what should I do? Whistle man’s response: “Nothing, please. I’ll keep an eye on it…”
At the end of this semi-final won narrowly by the Boks (16-15), Mbonambi refused to shake Curry’s hand. And the specialized site Rugby Pass explains that Tom Curry, after the match, admitted that Bongi Mbonambi had said something to him, without revealing the content of the exchange. “There is no need to talk about it,” said the flanker of the Sale Sharks, finalist of the last World Cup in Japan (defeat against… the Boks).
Questioned this Sunday at a press conference, Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids explained that he was not aware of these facts. “I honestly don’t know about it,” he said. “I’m not aware of any comments, it was never brought up so I’m just not sure what the comment was or where it was said so I don’t know .” World Rugby rule 9.12 is clear: “A player must not insult anyone. Verbal violence includes, but is not limited to, violence based on religion, color, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation.”
The English Federation (RFU) has until Monday to report or not these facts and cite the South African hooker. Since Malcolm Marx’s injury withdrawal, Bongi Mbonambi is the only real professional hooker in the South African squad, since the position is also covered by the versatile third rows/hookers, Deon Fourie and Marco van Staden.
