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South African broadcaster wants Nic White apology like Bryan Habana

By Sam Smith
(Source/Stan Sport)

South African TV presenter and broadcasting personality Derek Alberts wants Wallabies halfback Nic White to issue an apology.

The Australian No 9 caused controversy after milking a penalty after going down following a swinging arm by his opposite Faf de Klerk.

White stayed down after being struck on the chin resulting in a review by the match officials who deemed a yellow card necessary.

The incident was condemned by South African fans who likened White’s performance to football antics that have no place in the game.

TV presenter Alberts shared a statement from former Springbok wing Bryan Habana who apologised after criticism in a European Cup game after a hit from Saracens flyhalf Owen Farrell.

South African rugby writer Brendan Nel also decried the incident as a ‘poor advert for the game’ and theatrics should have no place on the rugby field.

The yellow card came moments before halftime with the Wallabies holding onto a 10-3 lead after withstanding significant pressure by the Springboks.

South Africa were camped for a long time in Australia’s 22 metre zone but couldn’t cross the line.

Chief writer at South African publication Sport24 Rob Houwing was not willing to lay the blame on White for the Springboks overall performance.

He described fans as being in ‘cuckooland’ in denial over a Boks team that looked like ‘rabble’.

The Springbok captain and coach were unwilling to put blame on the referee after failing to convert from many chances near the Wallaby line.

“It just didn’t go our way,” captain Kolisi said.

“We camped on their try line for much of the first half but we couldn’t take the opportunities.

“They played really well from the get-go, and the game is about small margins – every opportunity they got they took it.”

Head coach Jacques Nienaber was unable to pinpoint where it wrong and said the side will have a deep review before Sydney.

“It is something that has happened in our last few games, so we will work hard to correct that,” he said.

“We were in Australia’s 22 about 13 times, if not more, and we didn’t come away with points a lot of the time, and when they were in our 22, they used their chances well and got the rewards for it.

“We will have a good review of the game, take the lessons learned, and ensure that we are up for next week’s clash in Sydney.

“The nice thing is that we will have another chance against Australia in seven days and hopefully we will be able to turn things around.”