Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth is facing a potential ban after receiving a red card in the Springboks' dominant 73-0 victory over Wales. The incident, involving a scuffle with Wales flanker Alex Mann, saw Etzebeth's thumb making contact with Mann's eye area, leading to a straight red card in the 78th minute.
The Verdict: Punch Instead of Eye Contact?
Former Springboks Schalk Burger and Jean de Villiers have weighed in on the incident, suggesting that Etzebeth might have been better off throwing a punch. Burger, who himself served a ban for eye-gouging in 2009, stated on 'The Verdict' podcast that Etzebeth put himself in an unwinnable position. "It’s a straight red," Burger said. "We don’t know what happened before between him and Mann, but once your hand is in the face area, something can go wrong."
De Villiers agreed, acknowledging that something likely provoked Etzebeth, but stressed the importance of avoiding any contact near the eyes. "You see an elbow on Eben before that. But you just can’t get your hand near the eyes. Even if it’s not on purpose, you run that risk," he said. De Villiers even quipped, "He should have just punched him," alluding to the lighter potential ban for striking.
Impact on the Sharks
Burger also highlighted the impact of Etzebeth's potential suspension on the Sharks, who are preparing for the Investec Champions Cup. "Eben is a big loss for the Sharks. They need players like him now."
Kolisi and Erasmus's Reactions
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi defended Etzebeth, insisting there was no intent to gouge. Coach Rassie Erasmus admitted that the "optics weren’t good" and conceded the red card was inevitable.
- Etzebeth received a straight red card for contact with Alex Mann's eye area.
- Schalk Burger and Jean de Villiers suggest a punch might have been a better option.
- Eben's ban will impact the Sharks' Champions Cup campaign.