Did Springbok prop Frans Malherbe bite USA's Matt Trouville?

South Africa's Frans Malherbe is tacked by USA's Phil Thiel. Photo / Getty Images

A British website has published a photo that appears to show Springbok prop Frans Malherbe biting USA lock Matt Trouville during their Pool B game this morning.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/article-3264041/South-Africa-s-impressive-win-against-USA-overshadowed-controversy-did-Sportsmail-s-photographer-catch-Frans-Malherbe-biting-Matt-Trouville.html

The photo was taken by Daily Mail sports photographer Kevin Quigley, who tweeted it earlier today and said: "Not sure what is happening here is this a bite?"

Not sure what is happening here is this a bite? more on @MailSport http://t.co/4v2bkWBmGY pic.twitter.com/594CTkdUGg

— Kevin Quigley (@KevinQuigley_DM) October 7, 2015

The Mail reported that when Trouville was shown the photograph, he told USA officials that he could not remember the incident taking place. He wears padding across his shoulders, however.

The Mail also reported that a spokesman for the South African team, who was shown the picture, said they were not aware of it and that it was up to the judicial officials to make something of it.

Meanwhile, the official match press officer told the Mail that it would be something for the "citing officials" to review if the alleged incident was missed by the match referee.

South Africa won the game 64-0, meaning they qualify for the quarter finals but they will be hoping the apparent incident doesn't blow up.

If it does, Malherbe won't be the first Springbok prop to get into trouble for biting an opponent.

In a celebrated incident at Wellington's Athetic Park in 1994, Springbok front rower Johan Le Roux famously nibbled the ear of All Blacks hooker Sean Fitzpatrick. Le Roux was banned for 19 months after the incident.