Etzebeth v Ala'alatoa: Why the Springbok lock exploded
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The footage of Eben Etzebeth and Allan Ala'alatoa locking horns went viral across rugby social media on Saturday.
The pair got to grips after Makazole Mapimpi's try with an enraged Etzebeth pushing and shoving Ala'alatoa, who was taking a step backwards.
Eben Etzebeth in the thick of it 😡#AUSvRSA
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) September 3, 2022
pic.twitter.com/DsWAHyguxv
While some have theorised that an Ala'alatoa headbutt sparked Etzebeth rage but a clip has been posted on Twitter paints a far clearer picture.
In the clip, which has Roxette's 'Listen To Your Heart' playing in the background, the pair clashed several times throughout the match with Ala'alatoa trying to wind up with the South African.
A new romance brewing between Eben and Alaalatoa 🥰
Lavanini won’t be happy 😅
pic.twitter.com/r3Zs8RYGh3
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) September 4, 2022
Eventually, Etzebeth reacted but perhaps not in the manner that Ala'alatoa would have hoped as he managed to avoid a penalty or carding with winger Mapimpi visiting the bin as it was his actions on Marika Koroibete which sparked the scuffle.
The pair seemingly buried the hatchet after the match with Ala'alatoa grabbing a beer for Etzebeth in the changing rooms after the game.
Friends in the end. 🤝#AUSvRSA
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) September 4, 2022
pic.twitter.com/3H3zqGPVPg
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It's not uncommon for players to try wind up their opposition with Jonny Hill famously succeeding in the during the first test between Australia and England in July.
Young lock Darcy Swain reacted to Hill by headbutting the England international with the Wallaby being red carded and suspended while Hill went to the sin bin for 10 minutes.
