Springbok fans worried for Makazole Mapimpi over outbursts of 'weird energy'

Sharks winger Makazole Mapimpi’s behaviour has come under the spotlight after South African fans grow concerned following his latest Champions Cup clash.

The Springboks No 11 was one of the heroes of their 2019 World Cup win, famously scoring their first-ever try in a World Cup final when he dotted down.

He rode a wave of momentum in 2019 to secure the left wing position for South Africa after hot-stepping star Aphiwe Dyantyi received a ban for a doping offence.

After getting into arguments with teammates and officials against French club Bordeaux Begles, Mapimpi’s on-field behaviour was labelled ‘weird energy’ by South African rugby writer Dylan Jack.

There's a weird energy around Makazole Mapimpi at the moment. Doesn't seem to be the upbeat player he was in 2019. Seems angry and irritable. Had a strange go at the refs after not being allowed the quick tap, when two players – incl a teammate – were down with head knocks.

— Dylan Jack (@dylmjack) January 14, 2023

After a dangerous aerial collision that saw players from both teams injured, Mapimpi was visibly frustrated after not being able to take a quick tap penalty despite time being blown off from the referee.

Sharks and Springboks teammate Jaden Hendrikse tried to calm his teammate but an angry Mapimpi slammed the ball down in frustration which bounced and hit the referee.

The pair of Boks had already been warned for dissent in the first half by the referees.

Jack’s assessment was noticed by a handful of other South African fans who expressed concerned for their seemingly angry Bok star.

Not sure what ants are in Mapimpi’s pants.

No chance the ref will allow the quick tap after that aerial collision, so Jaden is right to tell him to slow down. He throws the ball in frustration which hits the ref (who warned him about shouting at the officials in the 1st half). pic.twitter.com/CuPmXAYzw6

— Thala Msutu (@ThalaMsutu77) January 14, 2023

Sharks discipline leaves a lot to be desired. Jaden Hendrikse and Makazole Mapimpi warned within 10 minutes for shouting (disrespecting) officials. Wonder where this spoilt brat behaviour comes comes from?

— Dan Retief (@Retief_Dan) January 14, 2023

Mapimpi has “weird” energy meanwhile James Lowe has been a shithouse all his life. Rieko too, takes nothing away from their game…

iPimpi has just added his suppressed personality into his game and he is being villified for it.

— Zondi (@Mpumelelo_Zondi) January 15, 2023

There’s a frustration/edge with Mapimpi – fighting opponents, shouting at refs, etc. It might get him and his teams into big trouble in a big game

— Thala Msutu (@ThalaMsutu77) January 14, 2023

" There's suddenly a weird energy around Mapimpi.." what does that even mean?
Apart from the fact it's World Cup year, Mapimpi is no longer the quiet, shy and submissive player, he's at the peak of his career and wants to win a 2nd RWC, especially when there's so much pressure..

— Sesethu Time (@time_sesethu) January 15, 2023

Following the game more information came to light as the Springbok winger was cited for a potential eye-gouge on Bordeaux’s Maxime Lucu in the 36th minute of the match.

The French scrummhalf complained to referee Luke Pearce at the time but no footage could be found by the TMO investigation at the time. The incident has since been picked up by the citing commissioner.

A statement reads: “EPCR has received a citing complaint against the Cell C Sharks wing, Makazole Mapimpi (No 11), arising from his club’s Heineken Champions Cup, Round 3 match against Union Bordeaux-Bègles on Saturday, 14 January 2023.

The first sign of troubled behaviour by Mapimpi came during last year’s Rugby Championship in South Africa’s second test against Australia.

After scoring the game-sealing try against the Wallabies in Sydney, Mapimpi sparked an all-in fracas after he grabbed opposite Marika Koroibete by the throat while standing over him.