An intense scuffle involving South Africa’s Makazole Mapimpi and Wales’ Efan Daniel has had the rugby world split as viewers continue to analyse the clip. The Springbok’s speedster has since been dubbed as one of rugby’s dirtiest players by some who have placed the blame on him.
Whether or not you are a rugby or Springbok fan, Makazole Mapimpi is a name that has quickly become extremely popular on social media as the athlete has established some sort of online presence. When he is not representing his Rugby Union team the Cell C Sharks and the Springboks, Makazole aka D-Rex doubles as a fashionista who has stolen the hearts of many on TikTok and Instagram.
After pulling off an impressive 42-22 victory over Welsh side Cardiff, the South African side has not been able to celebrate accordingly as the scuffle between Makazole and Efan Daniel has been the only thing on the minds and lips of rugby fans all over the world, as they deliberate on who gets to take the blame for unsportsmanlike behaviour.
Mapimpi? ?
— Scoop ? ☕️ (@Rugby_Scoop) January 25, 2025
On one side, viewers believe that there is a moment where Mapimpi’s hands make contact with Efan’s eyes, making them believe that he was trying to gouge his opponent’s eyes. Some of these fans have condemned Mapimpi’s actions, revealing that there is no place for such ‘thuggery’ in the sport of rugby, and have advocated for the winger’s ban from the Rugby Union.
Terrible one from Mapimpi, just no need to get near the eyes there.
Ban incoming. #BKTURCpic.twitter.com/pxcOqH3UlK
— Tight Five Rugby (@TightFive_Rugby) January 26, 2025
THROW THE BOOK AT THAT DIRTY GIT MAPIMPI https://t.co/eO1GEzmyfu
— Andy Thomas (@andy_thomas1989) January 25, 2025
Conversely, other fans and viewers have come to Mapimpi’s defence, labelling this as just another intense moment between two competitive athletes. These users highlight the fact that Mapimpi was merely reacting to Efan, as he initiated the retaliation.
Mapimpi did nothing wrong here.
1) Goes in for the tackle.
2) Attacker kicks the ball instead of running.
3) Mapimpi is committed and naturally holds on.
4) As he starts to let go, attacker grabs his jersey and therein ensues the scuffle.A rugby incident. https://t.co/WXPKcOxPrP
— Melwa (@KhanyisaMelwa) January 25, 2025
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