Makazole Mapimpi was subject to much scrutiny this weekend following an incident that occurred during the Sharks’ 42-22 victory over Cardiff in the URC on Saturday.
Keen to end their disappointing run of form, the Sharks players had clearly been given instructions to put their heart and soul into a match that would take place so far from home.
Mapimpi had looked riled up from the get-go. The two-time World Cup-winning Springbok found himself on the scoresheet alongside fellow internationals Bongi Mbonambi and Jordan Hendrikse, as the visitors lorded their large pedigree of world-class stars over their Welsh hosts to leapfrog their way into 4th place in the URC table.
The 34-year-old’s overexuberance was criticised by the Cardiff Arms Park fans early on, however, when he quite clearly celebrated his try in front of two Cardiff players, igniting quite the angry response from the home support.
0% body fat. #CARvSHA pic.twitter.com/Ro6yd9CAv3
— Riaan Louw (@Ringo26) January 25, 2025
His day continued in the same vein, with many fans online pointing out an incident later on that left the South African winger shirtless. Mapimpi had collided with Cardiff’s replacement hooker Efan Daniel in what, at face value, had appeared as nothing more than a slightly heated scuffle – but at a second view had indicated something much more serious.
Fans online have clashed over the validity of a possible eye gouge by Mapimpi, with the footage seemingly showing the South African player pushing his fingers towards the Welshman’s face.
That is simply an eye gouge. No other way of putting it. https://t.co/szUVuWuKaH pic.twitter.com/WYFlrtgq2f
— SmallClone (@Smallclone_) January 25, 2025
Online commenters have heatedly debated the intentions behind the apparent finger jab, with rugby video editor Andrew Forde saying: “Makazole Mapimpi could be one of rugby’s biggest thugs for that alleged eye gouge on Efan Daniel…”
Others agreed, with RugbyPass referencing a commenter saying: “Throw the book at him – harshest punishment possible. Gouging is an absolute no-go for me” while another added “Hope the citing commissioner is paying attention. One of the vilest acts of thuggery you can commit.”
Others have had a more rounded opinion, with one X account, Forest_O_O, saying: “Eye gouging has no place in the sport. That said I think you all need to see a real eye gouge done in modern day because you’ve forgotten what it is. A hand in the face is not an eye gouge”
One journalist and rugby content creator, Dylan Jack, noted the other side of the coin, saying: “Plenty having a go at Mapimpi, but keep an eye on Efan Daniel’s right hand. It’s covered by the jersey, but he clearly makes the first move to the face, plus he also makes a move for Mapimpi‘s throat.”
Finally, many fans did note the impressive physique of the speedster however, with one fan adding: “My biggest take from the Mapimpi scuffle is a realisation that I need to work much harder in the gym! Bloke has muscles on muscles!”
Mapimpi has not at this moment been cited for the incident and as far as we are aware no investigations or complaints are being made into it.
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