South Africa prop Frans Malherbe has been cleared of an alleged biting offence during Wednesday night’s encounter with the USA at the Olympic Stadium.
An exclusive Sportsmail photograph highlighted a potentially serious offence between Malherbe and USA lock Matt Trouville that occurred in the first half of the Pool B game. Indeed the photograph was shown to representatives of both teams as well as Matt Trouville, who told the official he had no recollection of such an incident.
But World Rugby thanked Sportsmail for highlighting the possible offence. ‘The citing commissioner considers all the available evidence when reviewing a game and in this case the photograph came to their attention and was considered,’ said a World Rugby spokesman.
Of some concern, however, was the response to the photograph on social media, with Malherbe being accused of biting Trouville before the incident had been reviewed by a citing commissioner who was able to study detailed footage of the match beyond what was broadcast on television.
A statement issued by World Rugby said: ‘Independent Citing Commissioner Peter Larter (England) is satisfied that no alleged biting incident occurred during the Rugby World Cup 2015 Pool B match between South Africa and USA on October 7.
‘Mr Larter’s determination follows a detailed review of all video footage, an absence of a team referral and proactive dismissal by the USA team of claims made via social media that a South Africa player bit a USA player during the match. This matter highlights the need to exercise caution in respect of claims based on two-dimensional images.’
