Former Wallabies Michael Hooper and Morgan Turinui discuss the “farcical” HIA incident involving Bok lock Eben Etzebeth in Perth.
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The incident occurred in the 68th minute, with Australia leading 42-17 and the world champions, who had emptied their bench early in the second half, attempting to replace Etzebeth with Franco Mostert.
Rassie Erasmus explains Eben Etzebeth incident
After the match, Rassie Erasmus told reporters there was no skulduggery involved.
“[Etzebeth] had a shot against the neck and I thought he was going for HIA. We don’t control that from a coach’s box, what he’s going for,” Erasmus said. “So when the doctor told me he got a knock against the neck, I thought he was going for HIA, and I think that’s where the confusion is.
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“I think he wasn’t marked as HIA; he was marked as injured. Then, obviously, you can’t put another player on. So there’s also a learning there for the match officials, the fourth and fifth official, and for us, to understand.
“But he pulled through. He’s a bit stiff and sore in the change room now, but luckily, I don’t think there’s big damage.”
Hooper and Turinui addressed the incident during Stan Sport’s Between Two Posts show
Originally published by SA Rugby Mag.
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