Eben Etzebeth reveals he was not gouged before red card against Wales

That clears things up.

Eben Etzebeth has taken to social media to explain the incident at the end of South Africa's 73-0 win over Wales which saw him red carded for an eye gouge on Alex Mann and subsequently banned for 12 weeks.

There was speculation that the Springbok lock's actions were a retaliation for a gouge from Mann, but footage was inconclusive.

Etzebeth has now apologised, as well offering an explanation and new camera angles.

He argues that he was retaliating to an open hand to the face from Mann and that his gouge was not intentional, while there is no mention of a gouge from any Welsh player.

Etzebeth wrote on Instagram:

Hey Everyone

I've been quiet, but now that my hearing is done I think I owe everyone an explanation

First of all, this is not a post to show that I was not guilty, I accept guilt. I made a mistake and I'm willing to serve a suspension which I deserve.

I don't want young kids who look up to the Springboks to think that it's OK to eye gouge someone, because it's not, but unfortunately mistakes happen and I made a big one for which I'm sorry.

But I'd like to answer the question - why did you do such a thing?

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

Slide 1: The scuffle was basically over when Wales #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 2 Welsh players changing the dynamic of the entire picture as well as one of my teammates pulling Wales #7 around his neck away from my hand and where my force is going.

Slide 3: Another Camera Angle

So why did I post this?
To try and show people how everything happened and that it was never intentional. I would never do something like this on purpose, I know what the consequences will be after playing rugby for a few years.

Thanks to everyone that stood by me and thought the best of me. I'm sorry for letting you and the game down. That was my first red card since I started playing. I want it to be my last.

To the people that were angry and upset with my actions, I understand - because it didn't look good on the slow motion replay and hopefully you've got a bit more context now.