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The Boks hooker allegedly insulted the XV de la Rose flanker on Saturday evening during the World Cup semi-final. The two players had already had a disagreement in November 2022.
It is the british daily The Telegraph which reveals the facts. Supporting audio evidence (below). In the 23rd minute of the second World Cup semi-final with England leading 9-3 against 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” (white bitch/asshole), what do I have to do ?” Response from the man with the whistle: “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’s 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. “Honestly, I don’t know about it“, did he declare. “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.»
During a virtual press briefing on Sunday, England coach Steve Borthwick brushed aside the subject of a “no comment”. “I am not going to comment on this matter», he added. World Rugby rule 9.12 is however 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.”
Only professional hooker
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.
Last November, during the test match won by South Africa against England at Twickenham (13-27), Tom Curry and Bongi Mbonambi had an altercation at the end of the match. Their differences therefore do not date from this hooked World Cup semi-final…