No biting incident during South Africa-USA match, say World Rugby

by Frank Nickson Thursday 8 October 2015

Claims were made that a biting incident had occurred at the match at The Olympic Stadium, pictured here

©PA

Match citing commissioner Peter Larter is satisfied that "no biting incident occurred" during the course of Wednesday's World Cup pool game between South Africa and the United States, World Rugby have confirmed.

Claims on social media were made that a South African player had bitten an opponent during the match at London's Olympic Stadium.

South Africa won the match 64-0 to book a quarter-final against Australia or Wales, running in 10 tries including a hat-trick for Bryan Habana.

In response, World Rugby issued the following statement:

"Independent citing commissioner Peter Larter (England) is satisfied that no biting incident occurred during the Rugby World Cup 2015 Pool B match between South Africa and USA on October 7.

"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 still images."