Former Harlequins winger and rugby pundit Ugo Monye has sparked a debate among rugby fans by making a controversial claim about Eben Etzebeth’s tackle during the Challenge Cup final between the Sharks and Gloucester. Monye stated during an interview with TNT Sports at half-time that Etzebeth’s tackle on Chris Harris should have resulted in a penalty try and a yellow card, as he deemed the tackle to be offside and preventing Harris from scoring a try.
The incident has ignited discussions about the legitimacy of Etzebeth’s tackle, despite the Sharks emerging as the clear victors in the final with a 36-22 defeat of Gloucester. The Sharks’ dominant performance on the field, with standout players such as Aphelele Fassi, Ethan Hooker, and Makazole Mapimpi, overshadowed controversies surrounding Etzebeth’s tackle and solidified their well-deserved victory.
The Challenge Cup final, which took place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, was officiated by referee Mathieu Raynal from France, with assistant referees Andrew Brace from Ireland and Pierre Brousset from France, and TMO Eric Gauzins also from France.
In conclusion, while opinions may vary regarding the legitimacy of Etzebeth’s tackle, the focus remains on the Sharks’ remarkable display of skill and sportsmanship in securing their victory in the Challenge Cup final.