Springboks diplomacy angers South African fans out for blood

Many South African fans have been deeply angered by the accusations levelled at Springboks player Bongi Mbonambi by England’s Tom Curry and they aren’t happy with how leadership handled the issue.

Springboks skipper Siya Kolisi took the diplomatic approach reaching out to the Englishman.

ALSO READ: Meghan Markle was right: SA X users slam British media

SPRINGBOKS DIPLOMACY ANGERS FANS 

ALSO READ: How can I watch the Rugby World Cup final FREE?

However, some fans think this was the wrong approach as it lends creedence to what they feel are outrageous.

Kolisi claimed ahead of the Rugby World Cup final that he wasn’t fond of verbal or ‘sledging’ if we can borrow a term from cricket.

ALSO READ: All the rugby on TV this weekend and how to watch it

He also felt that the secondary abuse that Curry has copped on social media was unacceptable

“I have spoken to him, I sent him a message. He is someone I respect,” Kolisi said.

ALSO READ: Five records the Springboks could break in Paris

“We can take it as players, when it comes to us directly it’s fine, but when it comes to your family it’s totally different and that’s exactly what he said to me.

“It’s the one part of the game we really don’t enjoy.

ALSO READ: Eskom Se Kant – Popular loadshedding app joins in on trolling England

“I hope, obviously, it stops and he was able to prepare fas much as he could for the game that he’s playing tomorrow.

“I have let him know we are supporting him, we are thinking of him.”

HIGH ROAD OR EASY PATH?

Some X (formerly Twitter) users weren’t happy with Kolisi taking the high road.

“Can you imagine Owen doing something similar to Bongi? Whose family has also been attacked and abused! Never!” one user wrote in reply to the statement shared by a rugby influencer.

Further users weighed in feeling that England use the cover of social media abuse to distract from their own wrongdoing.

“Curry could not take it as a player,” another added.

“The England spin continues fumbling.

“The old excuse of family threats is wearing very thin. He’s in his early 20’s.”

Others felt that the leadership took the correct tack but warned that the Springboks musn’t go soft against the All Blacks.

“Leadership right there!!! But we don’t wanna see this Mandela behaviour on Saturday.”