Springboks Star Sees Red in Cardiff Clash
In a dramatic conclusion to a one-sided contest, South Africa's Eben Etzebeth was dismissed for an act of eye gouging against Wales flanker Alex Mann. The incident occurred during the final minutes of the Springboks' emphatic 73-0 victory over Wales in Cardiff on Saturday 29 November 2025.
Match Officials Confirm Intentional Foul
The referee, in consultation with the television match official, made the decision to issue a straight red card after a detailed review. Officials determined that Etzebeth's contact with the eye area of Alex Mann was intentional, leaving no alternative but dismissal. This action severely marred what was otherwise a record-breaking performance by the visiting South African team.
Potential Ban and Fallout for Springboks
Etzebeth now confronts a significant period on the sidelines. Under World Rugby's sanctioning guidelines, the entry point for intentional eye contact is a 12-week ban. This sending-off marks a worrying disciplinary trend for the Springboks, as it is the third red card shown to a South African lock during the November series, following similar dismissals for teammates Lood de Jager and Franco Mostert.
Reaction from the South African camp was mixed. Captain Siya Kolisi offered a defence of his player, suggesting that Etzebeth did not intend the act. However, head coach Rassie Erasmus offered a more pragmatic assessment, conceding that the incident 'didn't look good' and that the red card was justified.
