Rassie Erasmus reacts to Eben Etzebeth eye gouge

Not good.

Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth is facing a long ban following his actions in the final moments of South Africa’s win over Wales yesterday.

The defending world champions made light work of Wales in a thumping 73-0 win, but the result isn’t what’s making most headlines.

Etzebeth was given a permanent red card in the 79th minute for a clear and seemingly intentional eye gouge on Wales’ Alex Mann.

Head coach Rassie Erasmus was asked about the incident after the game, and he struggled to find any defence for his players’ actions.

“I don’t know what I can say that won’t be controversial. It didn’t look good and it was a justified red card,” said Erasmus.

“How it happened and why it happened, and if he was provoked, I am not sure, but it’s definitely not the way that we would have liked to end the game. I don’t think that the optics were great.”