Eben Etzebeth: South Africa lock explains eye gouge ‘mistake’ on Wales’ Mann

Etzebeth had come on as a second-half replacement in Cardiff but was shown a straight red card in the 79th minute by French referee Luc Ramos after a fracas between the two sets of players.

Along with his explanation, the Springbok great also posted a video of the incident, claiming his part in the altercation came as a response to being struck by Mann and his own actions were not intentional.

“I’d like to answer the question – why did you do such a thing?” Etzebeth added.

“It was a mistake caused by my reaction and other factors that played a role.

“[Referring to the video] Slide 1: The scuffle was basically over when Wales number 7 struck me with an open hand to my chin/neck area, you can see me looking at the assistant referee and waiting for a reaction from him (it happened fast and it’s understandable that he didn’t see it) without reacting yet, I got another pull on my jersey, before I go in with the similar type of action.

“Slide 2: You can clearly see my first point of contact is against his shoulder with an open hand, just like he did, except he got me on the chin. Another thing worth mentioning, when he struck me, I was standing still with not a lot of movement or players trying to get involved.

“When I went for the same open hand towards his shoulder, you’ll see two Welsh players changing the dynamic of the entire picture as well as one of my team-mates pulling Wales number 7 around his neck away from my hand and where my force is going.”

There was another slide and different camera angle provided as Etzebeth outlined why he had posted his explanation.

“To try and show people how everything happened and that it was never intentional,” said Etzebeth.

“I would never do something like this on purpose, I know what the consequences will be after playing rugby for a few years.”

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) did not wish to comment on Etzebeth’s post, and World Rugby has also been approached for a response.