All eyes were on Bernhard Janse van Rensburg during the South African national anthem ahead of the Springboks’ clash with England.
The cameras appeared to deliberately zoom in on the South African-born centre, who qualifies to represent England and could make his Test debut for Steve Borthwick’s side next week.
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Janse van Rensburg stood silently as those around him belted out the anthem, creating what some viewers described as an “awkward” moment.
The footage quickly sparked reaction on social media.
One fan wrote: “The subtle realisation that you betrayed your country to represent the Pomme.”
Another joked: “Deep deep down he desperately wants to let out a gergerberrrger.”
A third added: “Would it be such an issue if he sang along?”
However, others defended the centre, with one supporter simply writing: “I feel for him.”
Another pointed out: “Benhard also didn’t sing the England national anthem.”
Janse van Rensburg qualifies for England on residency grounds and is now firmly in the international picture after impressing in the Premiership.
With England facing Fiji next weekend, the centre could soon find himself pulling on the white shirt for the first time.
“2/10” – Six players who flopped in Nations Championship Week One
Here are six players who flopped in Nations Championship Week One.
Louis Rees-Zammit (Wales)
With the experiment of using him as an international full-back seemingly over, the Bristol Bears star returned to the wing against Fiji.
However, his comeback to the outside channels did not go to plan. Rees-Zammit received a brutal welcome back when he was driven into touch by both Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula and Frank Lomani.
Compared to the rest of the Welsh backline, the speedster was unusually quiet and struggled to impose himself on the contest.
Wales eventually ran in six tries to claim a 39-24 victory, but Rees-Zammit will know much more is required ahead of tougher Tests against Argentina and South Africa.
Demba Bamba (France)
You are never going to become a consistent Test player if you cannot hold your own at scrum time, and that remains the biggest concern surrounding Bamba.
The France tighthead endured a torrid afternoon against New Zealand, conceding penalties at the set-piece as the All Blacks gradually gained the upper hand.
He was also guilty of a needless infringement in the loose during a performance littered with mistakes.
RugbyPass handed Bamba a 4.5/10, while his opposite number Ethan de Groot was praised for his work against the French prop.
Demba Bamba écope de la pire note du match des Bleus https://t.co/Bc4flXN1cx
— blog-rct.com (@Blog_RCT) July 4, 2026
