Bryan Habana: Springboks Legend Defends Eben Etzebeth After His Red Card Against Wales

• Eben Etzebeth has been backed by one of the Springboks' legends after his unfortunate red card incident against Wales
• The 34-year-old was sent off after an alleged eye-gouge on Wales flank Alex Mann in Cardiff
• The Boks legend's comment about the incident sparked different reactions from fans on social media

Eben Etzebeth has faced heavy criticism for allegedly gouging the eye of a Welsh opponent during South Africa’s 73–0 win over Wales in Cardiff on Saturday, November 29, 2025. The incident occurred just moments before the final whistle and resulted in the Springbok lock receiving a red card.

According to World Rugby’s official disciplinary code, eye-gouging is classified as a serious offence that can carry a suspension of four months to three years.

Etzebeth, the most-capped Springbok with 141 Test appearances, now faces disciplinary action, with the matter currently under review.

Rassie Erasmus also shared his view on the 34-year-old’s actions that led to the sending off, stating that the red card was justified.

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Habana backs Etzebeth online

Former Springbok star Bryan Habana has spoken out in defence of Etzebeth. Despite widespread criticism of the alleged eye-gouge on Wales flank Alex Mann, Habana rejected suggestions that Etzebeth is a “thug.” Like Etzebeth, Habana has earned more than 100 Test caps.

Responding to criticism on X (formerly Twitter), Habana said he completely disagreed with the negative characterisations, describing Etzebeth as an exceptionally athletic and physical player who would be one of the first names on his team sheet, and someone he would gladly go into battle with.

When another user questioned Etzebeth’s talent, Habana replied that the lock had always been the ultimate professional, the hardest worker, a committed team man, and that he had become South Africa’s most-capped player because of his quality.

Here are reactions from rugby fans to Habana’s comments on Etzebeth’s red card against Wales, following allegations made by a social media user who labelled the Springbok lock a dirty player.

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Brandon Els said:

"Has Mann been cited yet, or at least interviewed by the media? Anyone with an internet connection now has the full picture. Literally an eye for an eye."

Arron Gwinnett wrote:

"Couldn’t agree more, Bryan, he is a direct and passionate player who plays with his heart on his sleeve and for the team. Would be on my sheet first all the time."

Rober de Eero ActuallyJakes shared:

"Dirty player? Come on, 4 yellows and his first red card in 141 Tests? That's a testament to his discipline, not dirtiness. Zero reds in club rugby, Top 14, or URC. Never once banned. But sure, let's ignore the facts and spin narratives. Eben will get the fair shake he deserves when the dust settles on yesterday's chaos, while the keyboard warriors keep firing blanks from the hip. Spot on, Bryan—wholeheartedly with you on this one. A beast you'd always back in the trenches."

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Shaun reacted:

"Quite possibly the greatest 2nd row of all time, and I’m old enough to have seen quite a few. Needs to be said that he needs to be banned for a year or 2, but I won’t knock his talent. Welshman here btw."

A M la Grange commented:

"If the same principles must apply that the 3 Welsh musketeers that formed the disciplinary committee) In the Jan Hendrik Wessels case, there is no need for a hearing and at least 9 weeks' suspension for the Welsh player. Let them drown in their own precedents."

Clueclucks added:

"I always assumed, looking at the size of him and the way he can intimidate the opposition, that he was at least a slightly dirty player. His first red in 144 games says otherwise."

Mostert's red card rescinded

Briefly News also reported that the World Rugby disciplinary committee has taken a new decision after reviewing the controversial red card handed down to Mostert against Italy.

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Eben Etzebeth’s red card verdict delayed as World Rugby oversees case

There was outrage and anger from Springboks fans on social media after Mostert was sent off for a so-called ‘high tackle’ against the Azzurri.

Proofreading by Roxanne Dos Ramos, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News