South Africa back Francois Steyn has been cleared of biting an opponent in his country's World Cup victory over Tonga.
Steyn, who went on as a replacement in Saturday's 30-25 Pool A success, was alleged to have bitten wing Joseph Vaka.
The case was dismissed at a disciplinary hearing in Paris yesterday. The 20-year-old Natal Sharks star, who played centre in the Springboks' 36-0 victory over England 10 days ago, is rated among South Africa's brightest prospects.
His whole tournament might have been in jeopardy if he had been found guilty of the charge lodged by match citing commissioner Jean-Claude Legendre.
South Africa are already through to the quarter-finals, with Springboks coach Jake White likely to see Steyn as a key player for a potential last-eight clash against Wales in Marseille on October 7.
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