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Springbok focus on final despite Mbonambi controversy

By AAP Newswire

Oct 26, 2023

South Africa prepare for final with no distractions — The Springboks say their RWC final plans haven't been disrupted by the Bongi Mbonambi allegations. -AP

South Africa's assistant coach Felix Jones says the Springboks have no problem focusing on their Rugby World Cup final dream despite the controversy hanging over hooker Bongi Mbonambi and World Rugby's investigation into alleged discriminatory behaviour.

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World Rugby are formally reviewing the allegation that Mbonambi directed a racial slur at England's Tom Curry in Saturday's semi-final, where South Africa secured a 16-15 win to set up a final against New Zealand this weekend.

But Jones said, despite no resolution of the investigation, the Springboks were knuckling down to work as they look to defend their title.

"Everyone, as you can expect for a World Cup final, is hugely excited and there is a high level of focus. Everyone wants to get their detail down early in the week and then concentrate on delivering the performance," he told a press conference on Wednesday.

At the same time, South Africa Rugby officials said the investigation into Mbonambi's alleged behaviour was still continuing and they were unable to provide any answers on the next step of the process.

Audio and video footage posted on social media show Curry complaining to referee Ben O'Keeffe, although no action was taken during the match and the alleged slur is not heard.

Curry confirmed an incident when questioned by reporters afterwards but refused to say what had been said, and since then both England and South Africa's camp have clamped down on questions on the issue.

If found guilty, Mbonambi could be suspended for Saturday's clash at Stade de France, which would be a huge blow to South Africa as he is the only specialist hooker in the squad.

They chose not to replace the injured Malcolm Marx with another hooker but instead brought in flyhalf Handre Pollard, who kicked the winning penalty against England.

Regular loose-forwards Deon Fourie and Marco van Staden have covered the hooker position in the tournament but Mbonambi has featured in all but one of South Africa's six matches in France and played almost all of the quarter-final win over France and the semi-final success over England.

Asked about possible fatigue for the 32-year-old Mbonambi ahead of the final, Jones said: "He's come through both of those games fine, and I think any player who is getting ready to play in a World Cup final is raring to go."