South Africa’s government has appeared to mock the Tom Curry-Bongi Mbonambi racism storm while celebrating Saturday's Rugby World Cup triumph.
The Springboks edged out New Zealand 12-11 at the Stade de France to claim a record fourth World Cup title.
Handre Pollard slotted four penalties to hold off the All Blacks, who scored a try through Beauden Barrett and two penalties through Richie Mo’unga. New Zealand captain Sam Cane was sent off for a high tackle, the first red card in a World Cup final.
The South African Government reignited tensions with England afterward, however, in an official statement that will rile the RFU.
England flanker Curry alleged that Springboks hooker Mbonambi called him a “white c***” in South Africa’s 16-15 semi-final triumph over the Red Rose men.
A World Rugby investigation found insufficient evidence to convene a disciplinary hearing, leaving the RFU incensed that “victim” Curry did not have a chance to air his grievances.
Springbok supporters claimed Curry misunderstood Mbonambi saying “wit kant”, the Afrikaans for “white side”. South Africa players were then filmed saying “watter kant”, meaning “which side” during a training session.
The South African Government could not resist a dig in the official congratulation statement, in a move bound to inflame tensions with Twickenham chiefs.
“Government also thanks all South Africans for rallying behind the team, and supporting them through the nail-biting games. The Webb Ellis is in South Africa’s kant!!” read the sign-off to the official South African statement.
South Africa president Cyril Ramaphosa was in Paris to watch the Springboks edge out New Zealand on Saturday night. The political figurehead joined the Springboks’ trophy presentation on the pitch in Paris, quickly taking the Webb Ellis Cup off victorious captain Siya Kolisi.
The Springboks were ultimately deserved winners of a brutal World Cup campaign, defending their title from 2019 in Japan.
All Blacks skipper Cane admitted he must live with the impact of his red card forever, while match referee Wayne Barnes has received death threats over his officiating, according to his wife.
Women’s Rugby Association co-founder Polly Barnes, wife of the English official who took control of his first World Cup final, wrote on social media: “See ya later Rugby World Cup. Won’t miss you, or the death threats.”
In criticising a “vile atmosphere at the Stade de France”, Barnes’ wife has raised again the spectre of social media abuse that haunts players and officials in the sport.
Top referee Barnes was subjected to death threats in 2007 after taking charge of New Zealand’s 2007 World Cup quarter-final defeat by France.
Barnes and his family were subjected to threats after he handled South Africa’s loss to France in Marseille in 2022.
