Former Springbok coach Nick Mallett has stirred the pot by suggesting that hitting players where it hurts—their wallets—might just be the deterrent needed against on-field ill-discipline. This conversation comes hot on the heels of Eben Etzebeth's red card during the final moments of South Africa's overwhelming 73-0 victory over Wales in Cardiff, a game that saw him making questionable contact with the eye area of Welsh player Alex Mann.
Mallett weighed in on the incident during the 'Talking Boks' podcast, not mincing his words about the realities of playing lock for a powerhouse like South Africa. "Unfortunately if you play lock for an international side like South Africa – from Frik du Preez right through to Bakkies Botha to Eben Etzebeth – these are hard guys who don’t take a backward step," he explained.
"Players know that if you put your hand in an opposition player's face and your fingers go close to his eye, you are really risking a long ban. It just seemed to be so unnecessary at the end of the game."
While acknowledging the heat of the moment might provoke certain reactions, Mallett emphasized accountability. "I can understand him getting angry and wanting to threaten the player. I can understand that because you can’t go from what is essentially a boxing ring into a sort of debating society. It doesn’t work like that. Your anger overflows, but you have to take the consequences."
Turning to the economic aspect of player discipline, Mallett proposed that clubs could impose financial penalties for misconduct leading to suspensions. "I’m wondering if the owner of the Sharks for example can’t take money out of Eben’s contract, saying you’re not playing 10 games. We can’t pay you for the time you’re not playing," he suggested.
He cited the case of Bulls prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels, who missed out on the Springbok tour due to an eight-week ban for foul play, noting the personal financial loss involved. "If you look at Jan-Hendrik Wessels, he’s personally lost quite a bit of money from not going on the spring tour. I mean, I think it’s in the region of one and a half million rand."
Mallett concluded by pondering the broader implications for the Sharks if Etzebeth faces a prolonged absence. "So, what are the ramifications if someone like Eben doesn’t play for the next six months for the Sharks?" With this, Mallett not only highlighted the immediate impact of player behavior but also its ripple effects on the financial health of rugby clubs.
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Former Springbok coach Nick Mallett has stirred the pot by suggesting that hitting players where it hurts—their wallets—might just be the deterrent needed against on-field ill-discipline. This conversation comes hot on the heels of Eben Etzebeth's red card during the final moments of South Africa's overwhelming 73-0 victory over Wales in Cardiff, a game that saw him making questionable contact with the eye area of Welsh player Alex Mann.
Mallett weighed in on the incident during the 'Talking Boks' podcast, not mincing his words about the realities of playing lock for a powerhouse like South Africa. "Unfortunately if you play lock for an international side like South Africa – from Frik du Preez right through to Bakkies Botha to Eben Etzebeth – these are hard guys who don’t take a backward step," he explained.
"Players know that if you put your hand in an opposition player's face and your fingers go close to his eye, you are really risking a long ban. It just seemed to be so unnecessary at the end of the game."
While acknowledging the heat of the moment might provoke certain reactions, Mallett emphasized accountability. "I can understand him getting angry and wanting to threaten the player. I can understand that because you can’t go from what is essentially a boxing ring into a sort of debating society. It doesn’t work like that. Your anger overflows, but you have to take the consequences."
Turning to the economic aspect of player discipline, Mallett proposed that clubs could impose financial penalties for misconduct leading to suspensions. "I’m wondering if the owner of the Sharks for example can’t take money out of Eben’s contract, saying you’re not playing 10 games. We can’t pay you for the time you’re not playing," he suggested.
He cited the case of Bulls prop Jan-Hendrik Wessels, who missed out on the Springbok tour due to an eight-week ban for foul play, noting the personal financial loss involved. "If you look at Jan-Hendrik Wessels, he’s personally lost quite a bit of money from not going on the spring tour. I mean, I think it’s in the region of one and a half million rand."
Mallett concluded by pondering the broader implications for the Sharks if Etzebeth faces a prolonged absence. "So, what are the ramifications if someone like Eben doesn’t play for the next six months for the Sharks?" With this, Mallett not only highlighted the immediate impact of player behavior but also its ripple effects on the financial health of rugby clubs.