South Africa’s Eben Etzebeth received a red card for an eye gouge during a historic victory for the Springboks against Wales in Cardiff, putting him at risk of a significant suspension.
The incident occurred towards the end of the game when Etzebeth entered the field from the bench. Amid a chaotic scuffle, replays indicated that Etzebeth deliberately made contact with Wales’ Alex Mann’s eye using his thumb.
Following a review by the television match official, Etzebeth was shown a permanent red card for his intentional actions. This could lead to a lengthy ban for the lock, potentially impacting his club commitments more than his international career.
With South Africa’s season concluded until next summer, World Rugby’s guidelines suggest Etzebeth could face a ban ranging from 12 to 24 weeks for “intentional contact with the eye.”
Despite Etzebeth’s captain Siya Kolisi defending him, stating the act was not intentional, South Africa’s head coach Rassie Erasmus acknowledged the seriousness of the incident, leading to the red card.
Etzebeth is set to appear before a disciplinary panel soon, with a ban potentially ruling him out of upcoming matches for the Sharks in the Champions Cup and the United Rugby Championship.
The match resulted in Wales suffering their worst defeat on home soil, with the world champions showcasing impressive form by scoring 11 tries. Fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu shone with 28 points, including a try, supported by tries from various other players, sealing a remarkable victory for South Africa.
This defeat marks the second heaviest loss in Wales’ history, trailing only the 1998 defeat to the Springboks in Pretoria.