In the semi-final, Curry had accused South Africa’s Bongi Mbonambi of making a racist comment.
When congratulating the Springboks on winning their fourth World Cup, the South African government seemed to be making fun of the racism controversy surrounding Tom Curry. They said, “the Webb Ellis [Cup] is in South Africa’s kant!!”
Curry had complained to referee Ben O’Keeffe that the Springboks hooker had called him a “white c—” during England’s semi-final loss, but there was not enough evidence to initiate disciplinary action against Bongi Mbonambi of South Africa, according to a World Rugby investigation. In addition to complaining to World Rugby, England claimed that the same player had racially insulted him during a November 2022 match.
Supporters of the Springboks have stated that Curry misunderstood Mbonambi’s statement of “wit kant,” which translates to “white side” in Afrikaans. Additionally, during a training session leading up to the final, the Springboks were caught on camera uttering “watter kant,” which translates to “which side.” During the championship match against New Zealand, their players were overheard using the word “kant” carelessly on the referee’s microphone.
In a statement about the Springboks’ victory on Sunday, the South African government appeared to join in, noting: “Government also thanks all South Africans for rallying behind the team, and supporting them through the nail-biting games.” The Webb Ellis Cup is located in the Kant of South Africa!
The team’s ability to bring together a nation that has frequently been divided was also praised in the government’s joyous statement. President Cyril Ramaphosa, who was in Paris at the time, took the Webb Ellis Cup off captain Siya Kolisi and lifted it himself seconds after the festivities got underway.
Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, a minister in the presidency, declared that “this victory confirms South Africa’s highest standing in world rugby.” “The resolve, tenacity, and unwavering spirit of South Africans as a people are symbolized by the Springboks. Never has a team that was once at the center of a nation’s division repeatedly emerged to bring the country together and unite behind a single flag, a single identity, and the nation brand. The Springboks stand for something greater than themselves; they bring our diversity together, but
“We are proud of the leadership of captain Siya Kolisi, who led the mighty team to victory.”
