Faf de Klerk left red-faced by England star ahead of Rugby World Cup final
Borthwick backs Curry after racial slur controversy calling it a ‘World Rugby matter’
South Africa star Faf de Klerk was hilariously left red-faced by England’s Joe Marler in a resurfaced clip from last weekend’s Rugby World Cup semi-final. De Klerk had attempted to ruffle the feathers of Marler but was brutally given a taste of his own medicine by his opponent.
De Klerk has a reputation for attempting to wind up opposition players. But a clip of him failing to get the better of Marler has now been viewed over 14 million times.
The 32-year-old attempted an off-the-ball tackle on Marler in the 50th minute of the match. However, the move failed to get under the skin of the England prop.
Marler easily brushed De Klerk to one side with his left hand, with the South African attempting to square up to the Red Rose veteran. In a battle between two players on different ends of the size scale, Marler simply pushed De Klerk away.
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Rugby World Cup’s official TikTok channel has raked in over 14 million views on the clip. However, De Klerk had the last laugh over Marler as South Africa defeated England 16-15 in the World Cup semi-final last Saturday.
South Africa will face New Zealand in Saturday’s showpiece event having learned that Bongi Mbonambi will be available to play after being accused by England’s Tom Curry of using a racial insult. Curry alleged that the hooker called him a “white c***” during last weekend’s clash, but World Rugby have cleared the South African player over insufficient evidence.
Steve Borthwick and the Rugby Football Union have both criticised the investigation by World Rugby. England head coach Borthwich said: “Tom Curry has done nothing wrong. World Rugby made a decision not to allow the opportunity for the victim’s voice to be heard.”
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Curry has received abuse online, including death threats. The RFU said: “The RFU fully support Tom Curry in raising the racially abusive behaviour he experienced whilst playing for England against South Africa.
“During the match between England and South Africa on Saturday 21st October 2023, Tom Curry reported to the referee that he has been racially abused by Mbongeni Mbonambi.
“The subsequent World Rugby investigation were informed by Tom Curry that he had also been the victim of the same abuse, from the same player, in the Autumn Test 2022. World Rugby have today announced their decision not to bring charges in respect of either incident. The RFU are deeply disappointed by the decision taken by World Rugby.”
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