RWC 2015 'biting' incident: South Africa prop Frans Malherbe cleared by governing body World Rugby
The governing body is satisfied that no biting incident occurred
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Your support makes all the difference.South Africa prop Frans Malherbe has been cleared of biting a opposition player during his side's 64-0 thrashing of the United States on Wednesday.
In a photograph taken by the Mail photographer Kevin Quigley, Malherbe appeared to be seen chewing on the shoulder of American lock Matt Trouville.
However, World Rugby officials have said they are satisfied that no biting incident occurred and that the image is misleading.
This matter highlights the need to exercise caution in respect of claims based on two-dimensional still images
In a statement, the governing body said: "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 7 October."
"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," the statement continues.
"This matter highlights the need to exercise caution in respect of claims based on two-dimensional still images."
When shown the photograph of the alleged incident by the Mail, Trouville said he could not recall being bitten, although conceded he was wearing protective padding on his shoulders.
If he had been found guilty of biting, Malherbe could have faced a lengthy suspension.
There is a precedent of severe punishment for biting in rugby. Another Sprinboks prop, Johan Le Roux, bit New Zealand hooker Sean Fitzpatrick's ear in a scrum in 1994 and received an 18-month ban.
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