mens
international
Springbok boss Rassie Erasmus has tried to clear up the confusion surrounding Eben Etzebeth’s second-half departure during South Africa’s dramatic 42-38 loss to Australia in Perth.
Les Kiss’ Wallabies held on for a stunning win at Optus Stadium on Sunday, claiming the Mandela Challenge Plate and extending their unbeaten run to 2026 after surviving a frantic finish despite being reduced to 11 men at one stage.
The game also featured a puzzling sequence involving veteran Lok Etzebeth, who left the field in the second half before returning briefly and then leaving again later in the contest.
Etzebeth appeared to go down with what many believed was a head injury after 64 minutes. The Springbok enforcer returned three minutes later, his initial return appearing to be prompted by a pitchside medic.
He then left the field again in the closing stages as South Africa chased the winning score.
Speaking after the match, Erasmus admitted there was uncertainty surrounding the nature of the injury and suggested it provided a learning opportunity for all parties involved.
“Well, he had a blow to the neck and I thought he was going to HIA. We don’t control that from the coaching box, what he goes to,” Erasmus told reporters.
“When the doctor told me he got hit in the neck, I thought he was going to have an HIA, and I think there’s a confusion there.
“I don’t think it’s marked as HIA, it’s marked as injured. Then, obviously, you can’t put another player on. So there’s a learning curve for the match officials, the fourth and fifth officials, and for us, to understand.”
Despite the confusion, Erasmus said the tall second row escaped serious injury.
“But he pulled through. Now he’s a bit stiff and sore in the dressing room, but luckily I don’t think it’s too bad.”