Ian Foster’s All Blacks stand on the precipice of completing their great redemption tale after a 44-6 win over Argentina. Cheree Kinnear and Elliott Smith unpack all the action from Stade de France. Video / NZ Herald / SkySports
South Africa’s rugby union is looking into a claim by England flanker Tom Curry that he was the subject of an alleged discriminatory remark by Springboks hooker Mbongeni Mbonambi in the teams’ Rugby World Cup semifinal match.
Curry drew the incident to the attention of referee Ben O’Keeffein the first half of the match at the Stade de France, which the Boks won 16-15 on Sunday (NZT).
Although the alleged slur is not audible on the referee’s mic, Curry’s subsequent conversation with O’Keeffe is.
Curry is heard asking O’Keeffe what he should do after alleging he has been called a racial slur.
“Nothing, please,” O’Keeffe replied. “I’ll be on it.”
When asked after the match if Mbonambi had said something he should not have done, Curry said: “Yeah.” He declined to reveal the content of the remark.
Mbonambi took over as captain once Siya Kolisi was replaced early in the second half. Mbonambi and Curry didn’t shake hands at the end of the game, which was won by South Africa thanks to Handre Pollard’s penalty in the 78th minute.
There is a 36-hour window from when the game ends for England to lodge a complaint to the citing officer.
World Rugby can also choose to pursue the matter.
England coach Steve Borthwick declined to speak about Curry’s allegation when asked on Sunday.
“I am not going to comment on anything regarding that incident,” Borthwick said.