Sunday Social: On-field bust-ups in the Rugby Championship, heartfelt moments and clean changing rooms

Dylan Coetzee
Sunday Social: Springbok Eben Etzebeth and Wallaby Allan Alaalatoa scuffle during their Test in Sydney.

It is time for Planet Rugby’s Sunday Social, your quirky recap of the serious and not so serious talking points from the past week’s action.

Springbok Eben Etzebeth took the media world by storm with his terrifying outburst towards Allan Alaalatoa. There is something in those eyes that should never be allowed out. Note to self, do not upset Etzebeth!

Despite the on-field incident, Alaalatoa makes amends by offering the second-row a beer after the game. Moments like this truly capture the essence of rugby.

The internet quickly rose to the challenge of commenting on the Etzebeth–Alaalatoa incident with this pearler. Lovely use of contrast in a brilliant post. Never catch Etzebeth without a beer in your hand.

Former Fijian star Simon Raiwalu jumped to the defence of Wallaby Marika Koroibete over his involvement in the scuffle late in the clash in Sydney, putting the blame well and truly on Springbok Makazole Mapimpi, who grabbed the wing by the neck after scoring in the corner.

A week in the life of a Springbok fan, a true roller-coaster indeed. Jarryd Harris captures South African fans beautifully in this one. Comedy gold!

https://twitter.com/jarryd_harris/status/1566026736390873090

Meanwhile, in Umhlanga, imagine waking up next to one of the world’s best. This lucky chap shared a hospital room with Springbok Lukhanyo Am, who underwent successful knee surgery in Durban.

Elsewhere, Argentina number eight Pablo Matera outwardly gives All Blacks Dane Coles the cold shoulder after a poor performance from his side. However, the hooker can be glad that it was not Etzebeth who was upset with him.

The new Top 14 season started this weekend, and this image looks like all the captains are about to drop the hottest album of 2022 or a bunch of lads catching some sun after a long night out. Take your pick.

Gloucester star Jamal Ford-Robinson hunts down a young fan who handed him a drawing of the club’s logo during an open training session and gives the young lad a new jersey and a change room walk-through. Good on you, Jamal, for showing how connected the game is to its community.

The financial crisis at Worcester Warriors is worrying for all those involved as Ollie Wynn shares the harsh reality of the situation as his teammate offered him a place to stay. The rugby world hopes the club can get through this difficult period.

Brilliant montage of how different players tackle, including no arms Owen Farrell and Faf de Klerk’s infamous slap of Nic White. Absolute comedy gold this is!

Simply outrageous, not one but TWO cross kicks in a brilliant try from Manawatu, who go coast-to-coast in the NPC in New Zealand. Vintage rugby, indeed.

Off the field, Bulls veteran Morne Steyn and teammate Chris Smith hilariously take on a rock, paper, scissors challenge. The pair do well to keep themselves together during the humorous game.

Another moment that captures the ethos of rugby. Tumble RFC left their changing rooms in a pristine state after losing their away game. Excellent discipline and respect from the team. Lovely to see!

READ MORE: Siya Kolisi: Wide open Rugby Championship is ‘brilliant for rugby’

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