Springboks address Eben Etzebeth sideline kerfuffle

Springbok boss Rassie Erasmus has sought to clarify the confusion surrounding Eben Etzebeth’s second-half departure during South Africa’s dramatic 42-38 defeat to Australia in Perth.

Les Kiss’ Wallabies held on for a remarkable victory at Optus Stadium on Sunday, clinching the Mandela Challenge Plate and extending their unbeaten run in 2026 after surviving a frantic finish despite being reduced to 11 players at one stage.

The match also featured a puzzling sequence involving veteran lock Etzebeth, who left the field in the second half before briefly returning and then departing again later in the contest.

Etzebeth appeared to go off for what many believed was a head injury assessment after 64 minutes. The Springbok enforcer returned three minutes later, with his initial return appearing to be challenged by a medic attendant on the side of the field.

He then left the field again in the closing stages as South Africa chased a winning score.

Speaking after the match, Erasmus admitted there had been uncertainty around the nature of the injury and suggested it provided a learning opportunity for all parties involved.

“Well, he had a shot against the neck and I thought he was going for HIA. We don’t control that from a coach’s box, what he’s going for,” Erasmus told reporters.

“So when the doctor told me he got a knock against the neck, I thought he was going for HIA, and I think that’s where the confusion is.

“I think he wasn’t marked as HIA; he was marked as injured. Then, obviously, you can’t put another player on. So there’s also a learning there for the match officials, the fourth and fifth official, and for us, to understand.”

Despite the confusion, Erasmus said the towering second row had escaped serious injury.

“But he pulled through. He’s a bit stiff and sore in the change room now, but luckily I don’t think there’s big damage.”