{"id":294132,"date":"2023-10-23T17:09:04","date_gmt":"2023-10-23T17:09:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportslifetale.com\/?p=294132"},"modified":"2023-10-23T17:09:04","modified_gmt":"2023-10-23T17:09:04","slug":"south-africa-cant-comment-on-bongi-mbonambi-racism-probe-at-rugby-world-cup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportslifetale.com\/rugby-league\/south-africa-cant-comment-on-bongi-mbonambi-racism-probe-at-rugby-world-cup\/","title":{"rendered":"South Africa ‘can’t comment’ on Bongi Mbonambi racism probe at Rugby World Cup"},"content":{"rendered":"

Lawes reviews England's Rugby World Cup semi-final loss to South Africa<\/h3>\n

South Africa scrum coach Daan Human has insisted that Bongi Mbonambi is a ‘great family man’ after he was accused of racially abusing England flanker Tom Curry. The alleged incident took place during the Rugby World Cup semi-final between the Springboks and England on Saturday.<\/p>\n

Curry was heard lodging a complaint with referee Ben O’Keeffe during a break in play, with the claims now being formally investigated by World Rugby. Human faced several questions about Mbonambi in Monday’s press conference but was quick to explain that he could not confirm or deny the allegations made against the 32-year-old.<\/p>\n

“That\u2019s being dealt with by SA Rugby and World Rugby,” said Human. “I can\u2019t comment on it as I just run with the scrum. Bongi had good training and he participated well. I can\u2019t really comment on that. Bongi has been part of this group for the past six years and is an important part of our puzzle.<\/p>\n

“He\u2019s one of the leaders, a great guy and a great family man. He looks after my kids when they\u2019re around. I haven\u2019t been in discussion with the matter, and to be honest, he\u2019s a calm guy and he\u2019s humble.”<\/p>\n

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If Mbonambi is charged and found guilty of the alleged offence, the Springboks will likely be without him for the Rugby World Cup final against New Zealand. He is the only specialist hooker in the squad but Human went on to explain that other players will be capable of filling the role against the All Blacks if Mbonambi is banned.<\/p>\n

“We\u2019ve got three guys who can play hooker and we need to have two hookers on the field,” he said. “I can\u2019t comment [on the allegations] because I wasn\u2019t on the field. He\u2019s down to earth, a guy I would love to have on the field and he\u2019s a great guy.”<\/p>\n