Murray Kinsella Reports from Paris

THE SPRINGBOKS HAVE defended hooker Bongi Mbonambi’s character as he faces an accusation of using discriminatory language towards England flanker Tom Curry.

Curry accused Mbonambi of calling him “a white c***” during the World Cup semi-final between the sides last Saturday. Curry approached referee Ben O’Keeffe during the first half and asked him, “Sir, if their hooker calls me a white c***, what do I do?”

World Rugby confirmed today that it has launched a formal review into the allegation made by Curry, while SA Rugby said yesterday that it will review the available evidence.

Mbonambi is a crucial figure in the Springboks set-up as the only specialist hooker in their World Cup squad, while he has been taking over the captaincy when starting skipper Siya Kolisi has been replaced during games. If available, he will be key to their hopes in this weekend’s World Cup final against New Zealand.

Speaking today, Springboks scrum coach Daan Human refused to be drawn into commenting specifically on the allegation made by Curry, but he did defend Mbonambi’s character.

“It is being dealt with by World Rugby and SA Rugby at the moment so from my side, I can’t really comment on that,” said Human. “I focus on the scrums.

“He had a perfect training this afternoon, had a good training and he is participating in training sessions.

“Bongi has been part of this group for six years, he started in the last World Cup and he started in the semi-final so he is very important, like all the other players in our group.

“He is one of the leaders in our group and a great, great guy. I know his kids. My kids always look after his kids when they come to the hotel. He is a very humble guy, very down to earth like the other players and they should be if they want to play for the Springboks.

“He is definitely a guy I would love to have in my team. He is a calm guy, a very calm guy, well-spoken.

“I actually don’t want to go into it, we have got a World Cup final in six days. I am more concentrating on the forwards. I can’t comment, I wasn’t on the field.”

Human said the Springboks are comfortable with their cover at hooker, with back row pair Deon Fourie and Marco van Staden also capable of playing in the position.

“We have three hookers in the group, three guys who are comfortable with playing hooker,” said Human.

“If you go into a final you must have two hookers on the field [in the matchday 23].”

Springboks second row Jean Kleyn also defended Mbonambi’s character without commenting on the allegation made by Curry.

“Bongi is a great guy,” said Kleyn. “I have known him since we played together at the Stormers nine years ago. He is a fantastic guy, he’s a good individual. To be honest, I can’t comment on it and I’m not gonna justify it [the questioning of Mbonambi], but all I will say is that he is a fantastic guy.

“He is a great guy, passionate guy. He’s a family man. He has captained the Springboks now a couple of times and he’s an upstanding guy. I don’t think there’s a player in the squad who doesn’t like him.”