- The Springboks clinched a dramatic 16-15 victory over England on Saturday
- Flanker Tom Curry later claimed an alleged racist insult was made against him
- WARNING: The embedded clip below features very strong language
New footage has emerged from South Africa’s semi-final against England on the weekend that appears to prove Bongi Mbonambi was speaking to his team-mates in Afrikaans – and he did not racially abuse Tom Curry.
In the 24th minute of last Saturday’s match, South African hooker Mbonambi makes a tackle on England flanker Curry along with team-mate Franco Mostert.
When England are then awarded a penalty, Curry asks referee Ben O’Keeffe: ‘When their hooker calls me a white c***, what do I do?’ – to which O’Keeffe replies: ‘Nothing.’
World Rugby have since confirmed they are investigating the incident, but now a clip posted to social media appears to suggest Mbonambi was saying ‘wit kant’ in Afrikaans, which translates to ‘white side’.
The aerial footage with audio provided from O’Keeffe’s microphone picks up what the players are saying in each ruck.
WARNING: The embedded clip below features very strong language
England’s Tom Curry pictured next to South Africa’s Bongi Mbonambi during the semi-final
The flanker asks referee Ben O’Keeffe: ‘When their hooker calls me a white c***, what do I do?’
The footage shows the South African defence scrambling to stop England reaching the try line, making tackle after tackle.
After being given advantage for a penalty, captain Owen Farrell attempts to chip a ball over the top of the defence to Elliot Daly on the wing, which he was unable to reach.
O’Keeffe then brings play back to where the penalty was awarded, which is when Curry walks over to the ref to ask what he should do about the alleged racial abuse.
Rugby fans on social media have claimed it is usual for the Springboks to speak to each other in Afrikaans, and this is not racial abuse.
One person commented beneath the video: ‘The team speak Afrikaans all the time to make it harder for opposition to understand. Curry owes Bongi and apology.’
Another said: ‘I’m really struggling so I could be wrong, but to me it’s sounds like he’s saying “wyd kant” (same side we’re folding to).’