Coconuts

Former Springbok captain Bob Skinstad has apologised for using a derogatory term while commentating on a Super Rugby game, according to a report on Monday.

The Star reported that he used the word "coconut" during a game between the Sharks and New Zealand's Chiefs on Saturday.

The word was used after Chiefs wing Lelia Masaga clashed heads with Sharks speedster Lwazi Mvovo, while attempting to go for a high ball. Both players were injured and left the field.

"Lelia Masaga has gone head high in an absolute coconut tackle straight onto Lwazi Mvovo and tried to take his head off," he said at the time.

Later Skinstad said he had misunderstood the meaning. Chief's loose forward Scott Waldrom had tweeted: "Does the SA commentator know that the term 'coconut tackle' is actually a derogatory term?"

Skinstad replied: "Heard the term and thought it meant aiming for the 'nut' - no harm meant sorry."

Twitter user@Broncos_NRL tweeted "coconut is a racist term to describe a pacific islander, it's like calling a black man the N word".

SAPA

Comments (8)

Threre are so many "labels" out there that a person can hardly talk without offending someone on the planet.

As for thr actual tackle HE DID NOT GO FOR THE BALL AT ALL-USED NO HANDS AND AIMED HIS HEAD DIRECTLY AT MVOVO'S HEAD. HE SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN A RED CARD! THERE IS TOO MUCH PUSSYFOOTING AROUND THE NZ TEAMS THAT ARE ALLOWED TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER!

WAKE UP REFS!!

whats the problem here? All Kiwi's are Coconuts?????

I am an islander redrevenge - you have a problem with it? why stop there - why not start labelling the blacks of SA with derogatory names since you feel so brave behind your keyboard! From your previous posts you are a Wallaby supporter and are a Queensland Red fan - do you also want to say a few derogatory remarks against the indigineous of Australia?

 Sounds like an innocent mistake-  I have never personally heard of a tackle called a "coconut tackle".

A Cocunut is pure white- surprising that it refers to a coloured racist remark. 

I have never even heard of "coconut" as being derogatory- although I have never been to the East before.

However, more importantly that tackle looked reckless- a danger to both the tackler and tackled. It warrants some time out of the game. It is over robust and careless. Maybe if I watch it from other angles it will not look so bad.

What ever happened to Bobs Blog?

 Perhaps it should have been called a Sheep tackle- or a ram tackle?

Billy the goat

A Nigerian guy I met in London told me the term "Coconut" was used to describe an African trying to live/talk/act like an Englisman (dark on the outside and white inside).

As a South African living in NZ now, I was unaware that "coconut" was a racist term referring to Islanders, but on hearing Bob's comment, my gut told me he'd get into trouble for it!!

signed Mike (the mlungu - Zulu word to used of whites; I think its OK to make fun of yourself, but that's where it should stop)

Shame Hakwa, do you have some sand in your Vagina??  Strap on a pair of balls and get a sense of humor!!! Coconut!

and be like twisted and bitter like you - no thanks - hey guess who are the RWC Champions - no, no, - hey guess who are NOT RWC Champions LOL how do you like dem coconatis?