Habana: Etzebeth deserves ban, but not a tarnished legacy
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks wrapped up their November Test Series in emphatic fashion with a dominant 73-0 demolition of Wales.
However, the incredible victory was marred by a shocking incident in the closing minutes of the game involving Eben Etzebeth.
The veteran lock came off the bench to score South Africa’s final try – capping an 11-try rout – before becoming embroiled in a scuffle that resulted in a straight red card for an eye-gouge on Wales flanker Alex Mann.
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The incident has sparked major backlash across the rugby world, with Springbok legend Bryan Habana among those condemning Etzebeth’s actions.
Habana wrote on X that, despite Etzebeth’s stature in the game, the punishment was justified, and a lengthy suspension is likely.
“I’ve just seen the Springboks’ scoreline but more so the incident with Eben… As great a player and person as he is, there’s no room for that in the game… Justified red card and he should be facing a lengthy time on the sidelines…”
Also.. I’ve just seen the @Springboks score line but more so the incident with Eben… as great a player and person as he is, there’s no room for that in the game… Justified red card and should be facing a lengthy time on the sidelines…
— Bryan Habana (@BryanHabana) November 29, 2025
One fan went as far as to claim the moment could tarnish Etzebeth’s legacy.
“Think that act demands a reassessment of any perceived greatness… And now he has this permanent, glaring stain on his record.”
Habana, however, quickly pushed back on that notion.
“I disagree with you about a reassessment of any perceived greatness,” he replied. “He has not only been the ultimate professional, hardest worker and team man, but he has become SA’s most capped player because of how great he is…
“Multiple SA Rugby Player of the Year awards. He should have, in my opinion, won a World Player of the Year award.
“Two Rugby World Cups behind his name… The youngest player to reach 100 caps… One incident, as bad as it is, should not take away from how influential a player he is.”
I disagree with you about a reassessment of any perceived greatness.
He has not only been the ultimate professional, hardest worker and team man but he has become SA’s most capped player because of how great he is…
Multiple SA rugby player of the year awards. He should have,… https://t.co/rSZrMNFchY
— Bryan Habana (@BryanHabana) November 29, 2025
