England flank Tom Curry has accused Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi of racially slurring him during Saturday's Rugby World Cup semifinal. Curry was heard asking New Zealand official Ben O'Keeffe about what to do if their hooker called him a white c***, to which O'Keeffe replied that he would be on it. No audio in the public domain picks up Mbonambi's alleged remark in a match with a few flare-ups.
England centre Manu Tuilagi grabbed Bok scrumhalf Cobus Reinach by the throat after the whistle had gone during the first half and earned his team a penalty. Willie le Roux and England skipper Owen Farrell also had an altercation immediately after the final whistle. When asked about it afterwards, Farrell said it was nothing. It was a misunderstanding.
Springbok management issued a one-paragraph statement after the accusations, saying they are aware of the allegation and are reviewing the available evidence. They will engage with Bongi if anything is found to substantiate the claim. Mbonambi's version of events is part of "reviewing the available evidence" as he is a material witness in the allegation.
England head coach Steve Borthwick declined to comment on the allegation on Sunday, while Bok assistant coach Deon Davids dead-batted it. After the match, Mbonambi refused to shake Curry's hand, further painting a picture of hatred and raising the question of what Curry might have done.
