Share

Bok biting scandal - or misleading picture?

Cape Town - An English tabloid has suggested that Springbok prop Frans Malherbe could be in hot water after their Rugby World Cup win over the USA on Wednesday night.

Images and an article published on the Daily Mail website shows Malherbe with his mouth on the upper arm of American lock Matt Trouville. A bite - or just a misleading photograph?

It is hard to determine exactly what happened in the photograph taken by Sportsmail's Kevin Quigley, but the article said that the photograph "appears to show Springbok prop Frans Malherbe sinking his teeth into the shoulder of American lock Matt Trouville."

Quigley tweeted a picture of the incident:

The article adds that Trouville had no recollection of the incident after the match, while a press officer said that the matter would now be in the hands of the citing officials. 

Malherbe's performance at scrum time received high praise from all corners, and he is now putting serious pressure on Jannie du Plessis for a start at tighthead in the quarter-finals. 

The Boks beat the USA 64-0 and will now face the loser of Saturday's match between Wales and Australia in the quarter-finals. 

PICTURES: DID MALHERBE BITE A USA PLAYER?

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1223 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1419 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2154 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE