New footage of Bongi Mbonambi’s alleged racial slur at Tom Curry emerges
England's Tom Curry and South Africa's Bongi Mbonambi during the Rugby World Cup, semi final match at the Stade de France, Saint-Denis.
A video of the alleged racial slur involving Bongi Mbonambi and Tom Curry has been posted online.
During the Rugby World Cup semi-final between England and South Africa, Curry is heard telling referee Ben O’Keeffe that Mbonambi called him a ‘white c**t’.
Curry is heard over the ref mic asking O’Keeffe: “Sir, Sir, if their hooker calls me a white c**t, what do I do?”
The referee replied: “Nothing, please,” before adding: “I will be on it.”
Mbonambi’s alleged racial slur
While Curry refused to address the allegation after the match and England Rugby did not file a complaint, World Rugby confirmed that they are reviewing what occurred.
However, that has not stopped fans from digging through the internet in search of what happened, and a video has since been posted on X, formerly Twitter.
There is a general thought that the Springboks hooker was shouting ‘wyd kant’ or ‘wit kant’ in Afrikaans, which then translated would mean wide side and white side.
The clip shared on X has the commentary removed, making it easier to hear what is picked up on the referee’s microphone, and while it is still not ideal, it is audible.
‘Wyd kant’ or ‘wit kant’, I reckon it’s one of those two. (White/wide side).
It could be a trigger call on defence and Bongi Mbonambi shouts it more than once.
This is best audio of the incident I’ve seen/heard.
🎥 @CapeSaakie#RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/tZLNqzXpaP
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) October 23, 2023
It is well known that the Springboks use Afrikaans for calls and set moves, being the only tier-one nation that speaks the language.
South African U18s head coach Katleho Lynch confirmed that this is a set call on defence for the Springboks.
He wrote on X: “Can confirm that the Boks have a call for this! Let’s keep the main thing the thing! Back to rugby and preparation for the biggest rugby game of the year!”
As mentioned above, World Rugby are reviewing the incident, but if Mbonambi is found guilty, he faces a ban that could rule him out of the Rugby World Cup final against New Zealand on Saturday.
All Blacks defence coach Scott McLeod believes this would be a massive blow for the Boks, who don’t have another out-and-out hooker in their squad following the injury to Malcolm Marx in the pool stages.
“It is something World Rugby will deal with,” McLeod told reporters when asked about the situation.
“If anything came of it, it would be a massive dent for them. He is a leader of their team.
“When Siya [Kolisi] goes off, he becomes the captain so I imagine it would impact them.”
READ MORE: Predicting the Springboks side that will face the All Blacks in the Rugby World Cup final
