Very interesting, Rassie isn't one to shy away from being controversial. I actually think he thrives on it a bit. If he truly thought that was defensible in any way he would have come out guns blazing then already. His luke warm response says a lot.

Agree 100%, he deserves a good long ban. And he's been accused of eye gouging before... he was just lucky to not have the accusations stick. It's all very on brand for him. And this time the camera has a clear shot and there's clear intent... his fingers didn't mistake the target one bit.

True, it's possible to be intimidating without being a bully. That doesn't seem to be a balance Etzebeth can naturally strike. His conduct & very justifiable red card now overshadows any argument of a possible unfair red card trend against the Springboks in recent games: Our critics will love this.