Eben Etzebeth HIA Incident in Perth Labelled 'Farcical' by Former Wallabies
- Former Wallabies Michael Hooper and Morgan Turinui publicly criticised the handling of Eben Etzebeth's HIA incident during the Springboks' match in Perth
- The confusion arose in the 68th minute when South Africa attempted to replace Etzebeth, with officials uncertain whether he had been flagged for HIA or injury
- Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus addressed the incident after the match, saying neither he nor the coaching staff were responsible for the confusion
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Former Wallabies Michael Hooper and Morgan Turinui have called out a "farcical" incident involving Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth during South Africa's Test match against Australia in Perth on 30 September 2026.
The pair discussed the controversy on Stan Sport's Between Two Posts programme, questioning how the situation was allowed to unfold at international level.
What Happened in the 68th Minute?
The incident took place in the 68th minute of the match, with Australia leading 42-17. The Springboks, who had already made significant replacements earlier in the second half, attempted to bring on Franco Mostert in place of Etzebeth.
The substitution stalled amid uncertainty over whether Etzebeth had been withdrawn for a Head Injury Assessment or due to a physical injury, a distinction that carries significant consequences under World Rugby regulations.
If a player is flagged for HIA, a like-for-like temporary replacement applies. If the removal is classified as an injury, the standard substitution rules govern who can take the field.
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Erasmus Denies Any Wrongdoing
Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus spoke to reporters after the match and rejected any suggestion of deliberate manipulation. He explained that Etzebeth had taken a knock to the neck, which led him to believe the player was being assessed for a head injury.
Erasmus confirmed that Etzebeth was sore but did not appear to have sustained serious damage.
Source: Briefly News
