Trevor Noah once said that South Africa, unlike most countries in the world (if not all), does not conform to worldly norms.
Although the now well-documented saga involving Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth is an isolated matter, it contributes and relates to Noah’s words, which the comedian used in one of his hilarious stand-up shows, Crazy Normal.
While most countries would have waited for a case as sensitive as this one to be resolved after the Rugby World Cup to give a country the best possible chance to win the tournament, especially if that country is lucky enough to have a squad as gifted as the Springboks, South Africa has decided that the best time to make noise about the topic is during the World Cup.
For those who do not follow rugby, and to a lesser extent, the news, Bok lock Etzebeth allegedly insulted, assaulted and even pointed a gun at a 42-year-old homeless man in Langebaan in August.
We’re not saying, by any means, that the appropriate steps in dealing with the issue should not be taken and we’re definitely not saying Etzebeth should be given a pass because he is a public figure.
What we are saying is that the whole timing of the saga, which has been picking up momentum in recent days, could not be worse and it’s the last thing Etzebeth and the Boks need.
The Boks are already under enough pressure with the rugby-crazy country as expectant as ever for Rassie Erasmus’ men to deliver a third World Cup trophy.
SA Rugby recently announced that it would launch an internal process over the matter after South Africa’s Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) announced that it was taking the case to court.
Fair game by both SA Rugby and SAHRC, but again, the timing is awful.
Now, Etzebeth was named in the Bok squad that travelled to Japan a day after the claims surfaced on social media. There were two ways in handling the matter there-and-then: let the lock go to the World Cup and decide to handle the matter when the Boks return from Japan or force him to stay in the country to until the matter is resolved.
But instead, the lock, whose name drags the whole Bok squad with him, is in the headlines for all the wrong reasons at a crucial stage of the tournament.
According to reports, Etzebeth is apparently wearing a happy face in Japan and was even spotted at Ecopa Stadium leading the squad onto the pitch wearing a cap and a large grin.
He doesn’t have much of a choice now does he? The matter must be playing in his mind and consequently internally affecting his big frame.
Small things matter and in this instance it’s timing: it’s yet another case of the world going in one direction and South Africa choosing to completely go the opposite way.
ALSO READ: The Rugby World Cup has finally kicked off
