South Africa wing Makazole Mapimpi has been slammed after he appeared to eye gouge Cardiff hooker Efan Daniel during the Welsh club’s 42-22 defeat to the Sharks at the Arms Park on Saturday night.

In an edgy affair in the Welsh capital, the double Rugby World Cup winner found himself entangled in a scrap with Daniel. The incident occurred midway through the second half after referee Mike Adamson had awarded a penalty to the home side.

Daniel decided to play on after the whistle and chipped the ball behind Mapimpi. The 34-year-old proceeded to tackle the hooker before the pair got engaged in a scuffle, which resulted in Daniel pulling Mapimpi’s jersey over his head.

Mapimpi reacted by grabbing and squaring up to Daniel. The pair were face-to-face when Mapimpi’s fingers appeared to make contact with Daniel’s eyes.

Surprisingly, TMO Andrew McMenemy decided not to alert Adamson to the incident. Mapimpi’s alleged actions have caused outrage on social media platform X with one fan saying: “Makazole Mapimpi could be one of rugby’s biggest thugs for that alleged eye gouge on Efan Daniel…”

Another said: “Throw the book at him – harshest punishment possible. Gouging is an absolute no-go for me!”

It’s likely now that this incident will be reviewed by a disciplinary panel, where Mapimpi could receive a lengthy ban for his actions, if he is found guilty of the act. The incident is yet to be officially cited, though.