Springboks hooker Bongi Mbonambi cleared to play World Cup final against New Zealand
Bongi Mbonambi is the only specialist hooker in the South African squad
©Photo by Adam Pretty - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images
South Africa hooker Bongi Mbonambi will start against New Zealand in Saturday's Rugby World Cup final after World Rugby ruled there was "insufficient evidence" he used a racial slur towards Tom Curry.
A statement released by the governing body highlighted that Curry had made the allegation in 'good faith' and it was 'not false or malicious'.
World Rugby said there was no conclusive evidence that Mbonambi abused Curry.
"Having considered all the available evidence, including match footage, audio and evidence from both teams, the governing body has determined that there is insufficient evidence at this time to proceed with charges," World Rugby said.
"Therefore, the matter is deemed closed unless additional evidence comes to light.
"It is important to note that World Rugby accepts that Tom Curry made the allegations in good faith, and that there is no suggestion that the allegation was deliberately false or malicious."
Meanwhile, the Rugby Football Union expressed disappointment over the verdict.
"In their continued full support of Tom, the RFU together with the England squad, condemn the disgusting abuse he and his family has received on social media as a result of his having had the courage to put unacceptable behaviour that has no place in society or on the rugby field, in the public eye.
"Abuse of any kind is not acceptable and goes against the core values of rugby. It is important that it is safe and acceptable for everyone involved in rugby union to raise concerns, and the RFU continue to encourage everyone to report any unacceptable behaviour in the game."
Mbonambi is now free to play in Saturday's World Cup final and the Springboks have opted for a 7/1 spilt on the bench for their meeting with the All Blacks.
Handre Pollard, who came off the bench last week to send the world champions into the final, starts at fly-half with Faf de Klerk as his half-back partner while Marnie Libbock - who started against England - is out of the 23 completely.
South Africa: Willemse; Arendse, Kriel, De Allende, Kolbe; Pollard, De Klerk; Kitshoff, Mbonambi, Malherbe, Etzebeth, Mostert, Kolisi (c), Du Toit, Vermeulen.
Replacements: Fourie, Nche, Nyakane, Kleyn, Snyman, Smith, Wiese, Le Roux.
