Kolisi backs Etzebeth: Believes red card will be “Revealed as an accident”

The euphoria of the Springboks’ emphatic 73–0 win over Wales rugby union team has been clouded by the late-match dismissal of veteran lock Eben Etzebeth, shown a red card in the 79th minute for alleged eye-gouging.

Referee after video review ruled that Etzebeth’s right thumb made contact with the eye area of a Welsh player, a clear breach of the rules governing foul play. The red card marks the first sanction of its kind in Etzebeth’s 141-test, 13-year career.

Despite the evidence and likely disciplinary consequences, including a potential six-week ban, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi defended his teammate publicly. Kolisi said he firmly believes the incident was not deliberate, urging patience until all facts are reviewed. “I am sure Eben did not mean that because he knows the consequences,” Kolisi said. “I am sure it will be revealed that it was an accident.”

Head coach Rassie Erasmus, however, was far more circumspect. Interviewed after the match, he described the red card as “justified,” acknowledging that the footage left little room for alternative interpretation. “It didn’t look good … that’s definitely not the way we want to play,” Erasmus said.

The moment tainted what was otherwise a dominant performance by the Springboks, who ran in 11 tries, cementing their status as one of rugby’s most formidable sides. Still, the red-card decision will now overshadow the victory, as Etzebeth awaits a disciplinary hearing that could result in a lengthy suspension.