Eben Etzebeth was at the centre of a bizarre substitution row during the Springboks’ dramatic 42-38 defeat against Australia in Perth.
The veteran lock left the field midway through the second half after taking a blow around the neck area, with many believing he was heading for a head injury assessment.
But things quickly became confusing.
Etzebeth returned just three minutes later, with his return appearing to be questioned by a medic on the touchline before he was eventually allowed back onto the field.
The 34-year-old would later leave the action again as the Springboks launched a remarkable late fightback.
Fans react to Eben Etzebeth incident
The incident sparked plenty of reaction online, with supporters questioning exactly what had happened and whether the HIA process had been correctly followed.
One fan simply asked: “What happened?”
Others were far more critical, with one accusing South Africa of “trying to manipulate the HIA process”, while another claimed they were “trying to cheat HIA system.”
The incident added to an already chaotic afternoon in Perth, with Australia eventually finishing with just 11 players on the pitch following four yellow cards.
Rassie Erasmus explains what happened
Speaking after the match, Rassie Erasmus confirmed there had been confusion over whether Eben Etzebeth had officially left the field for an HIA.
“He had a shot against the neck and I thought he was going for HIA,” Erasmus said.
“We don’t control that from a coach’s box, what he’s going for.”
As RugbyPass reports, Etzebeth had actually been recorded as injured rather than leaving for an HIA. That created the problem when South Africa attempted to get him back onto the field.
#RugbyScoop |
— Scoop 🐻 ☕️ (@Rugby_Scoop) September 27, 2026
Springboks being found out on their cheating tactics about feigning head injuries.
They’ve been getting away with this for a long time. I’m glad we have good AR’s who understand rugby on the side line. pic.twitter.com/j5tRlh8a26
Erasmus continued: “So there’s also a learning there for the match officials, the fourth and fifth official, and for us, to understand.”
There was at least some good news for Springboks supporters, with Erasmus playing down fears of a serious injury.
“He’s a bit stiff and sore in the change room now, but luckily I don’t think there’s big damage.”
Australia eventually held on for a remarkable 42-38 victory despite South Africa scoring 21 unanswered points during a frantic finish.
It was the Springboks’ final Test before their Nations Championship campaign gets underway in November.
