Malherbe Cleared of Biting Allegation as Springboks Make it to the Quarters
World Rugby has issued a statement following allegations of biting, made against Frans Malherbe by a British newspaper, after the Springboks won their Rugby World Cup (RWC) match against the USA at London’s Olympic Stadium last night. The UK paper published a photo by Kevin Quigley which appeared to show the South African prop biting US lock […]
World Rugby has issued a statement following allegations of biting, made against Frans Malherbe by a British newspaper, after the Springboks won their Rugby World Cup (RWC) match against the USA at London’s Olympic Stadium last night.
The UK paper published a photo by Kevin Quigley which appeared to show the South African prop biting US lock Matt Troubille’s shoulder.
Media around the world, and social commenters, ‘bit’ into the story – but it simply wasn’t true. The US team itself has denied that Troubille was bitten.
In the statement today, World Rugby said it was “satisfied that no biting incident occurred” and that their findings were the result of “a detailed review of all video footage, an absence of a team referral and proactive dismissal by the USA team of claims made via social media that a South Africa player bit a USA player during the match.
“This matter highlights the need to exercise caution in respect of claims based on two-dimensional images.”
False allegations aside, Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer says he’s happy (obviously!) that the Springboks have qualified for the RWC quarter-finals, but warns that they have not yet achieved anything with the knock-out phase of the competition looming.
The Boks were in top form as they beat the USA at the Olympic Stadium in London last night, thereby ensuring they top Pool B. (Watch video highlights.)
The crushing defeat of the Americans with a score of 64-0 has already sparked many jokes including a very South African one from Barry Wannell who wrote on Facebook: “Apologies to my USA friends! What is the difference between the USA rugby team and a samosa? A samosa has 3 points! :)”
South African fans in the stadium were predictably ecstatic with the match last night, with many describing it as “simply amazing”.
Words from Springbok Coach, Heyneke Meyer…
Although the Springboks finished with 10 tries (of which winger Bryan Habana scored three to equal Jonah Lomu’s record of 15 five-pointers in RWC games), Meyer says the most important things was that South Africa conceded none.
“We are really happy with our defence as we have only conceded one try in our last three games,” said Meyer.
“Fourie du Preez deserves a lot of credit for his captaincy, the players stuck to the game plan and executed it very well, especially after we made a few minor changes at the break.
“I’m really proud of the guys, we scrummed and mauled well. I’m also very happy with the continuity and that players who had been out with injury are hitting form again.
“But we’ve achieved nothing yet and we have to keep our feet on the ground – we will now take a break for a few days before regrouping and getting ready for what will be a very tough quarter-final against either Wales or Australia.”
The quarter final will take place on Saturday 17 October.
Meyer praised Habana for his performance: “Bryan would be the first to admit it’s not about the individual, but the team. He has always played well for me and always comes through in the big games.
“When we really needed him in the last two or three weeks, Bryan delivered his best. I am so proud of him not just as a rugby player but as a human being as well. He is a great ambassador for South Africa.”
Words from Springbok Captain, Fourie du Preez…
Du Preez, who captained the Boks for the second time on Wednesday, said: “After the Japan game, every single game we played was a knockout game for us. Whether that is good or bad I don’t know but we now have a few days to reflect on the last three and a half weeks.
“The team responded well to the pressure and we will get together on Sunday and only then focus on that quarter-final.”
Apart from Habana’s three tries, Francois Louw (2), Bismarck du Plessis, Jesse Kriel, Lwazi Mvovo and Damian De Allende also scored tries – it was De Allende’s first in Tests. Handré Pollard added four conversions and Morné Steyn three, while the Boks were also awarded a penalty try. #GoBokke
Partly sourced from: SARugby.co.za
MORE INFO
Details of the tries, Habana’s record and video highlights of the RSA v USA match