Rassie Erasmus addresses confusion over Eben Etzebeth head injury replacement
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Confusion.
Rassie Erasmus says confusion over whether Eben Etzebeth had left the field for a head injury assessment was behind a disputed substitution during South Africa’s 42-38 defeat to Australia in Perth.
Etzebeth went off in the 64th minute after taking a blow to the neck. He returned roughly three minutes later, though a member of the medical staff appeared to question his return on the touchline.
The lock then left the field again in the closing stages as the Springboks tried to overturn Australia’s lead.
Speaking after the match, Erasmus said he had initially understood that Etzebeth was going for a head injury assessment, but learned that his departure had been recorded differently.
“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.
“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.”
Erasmus said Etzebeth was sore after the match but did not believe the injury was serious.
“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.”
Australia held on despite being reduced to 11 players during a frantic finish. South Africa scored 21 points in the final 10 minutes but fell four short.
