He is touted at the next “Enforcer” the next generations Bakkies Botha for his size, skill and physicality. However after a moment of absolute stupidity, rising star Eben Etzebeth has truly followed in Bakkies extra-large footsteps by getting himself cited for a head butt on Nathan Sharpe.
The incident happened during the Boks 19-26 loss to the Wallabies in Perth on Saturday and the SANZAR judicial officers Mike Heron and Nigel Hampton will preside over the hearing. Etzebeth is alleged to have broken law 10.4 (a) Punching or Striking when he made contact with Nathan Sharps head during an exchange of handbags in the 25th minute of the game.
Ironically, Bakkies Botha has now been put on stand by for a Springbok call up if the young lock is found guilty. Botha who retired from Springbok rugby after last years world cup in New Zealand has been showing some good form in while playing in France this year.
The Boks now travel to New Zealand to face the All Blacks in Dunedin on Saturday and will be hoping that Etzebeth will be able to wiggle his way out of the charge before they travel back to SA for their final two tests of the competition against Australia and New Zealand. However if found guilty he could very well miss out on the remainder of the international season.
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