'It didn't look good' - Springboks coach reacts to Etzebeth sending off
The veteran lock has won two World Cups with South Africa
- Released44 minutes ago
- Numerous reactions
South Africa manager the national team coach conceded "the visual impression was poor" following veteran forward Eben Etzebeth was dismissed due to eye contact against Wales
The Springboks completed a flawless end-of-year tour with a dominant performance in Cardiff netting eleven touchdowns in a comprehensive shutout
However virtually the concluding moment of the international year was Etzebeth, who went over for the final score receiving a red card from the official the presiding official
The experienced player received a sending-off for making contact the eye area of the Welsh player the back-row forward via digital contact during late-game altercation
"I'm uncertain what to comment that won't be controversial. It didn't look good making it a justified red card," stated the manager
"How it happened and why it happened, whether there was provocation, I cannot confirm, however it's certainly not the manner we had hoped to end the game. I believe the visual impression was positive"
Etzebeth, who extended his cap achievement by earning his 141st appearance during the match, appears likely to receive an extended suspension
His domestic franchise commence their European competition in France on Sunday, 7 December before a home game against Saracens plus local rivalries during the holidays
South Africa's disciplined power
The world champions overpowered Wales during the match which proved lopsided from the start
The current management's period has started with multiple significant losses versus leading rugby powers and a last-gasp win against Japan
The Welsh team has suffered 21 of their last 23 Test matches but the coach attempted to offer some comfort
"In my opinion our team has been developing and advancing, this represented a controlled performance," he commented
"The Welsh team are not a team that give up yield to pressure, they fight until the end. This represented an exceptionally precise display and us putting our soul out on the game"
"The Welsh possess an excellent manager and will come back. We know situations can transform as demonstrated in 1998 we overcame them (96-13) subsequently fell the following year"
South Africa finish the year ranked first globally having secured consecutive southern hemisphere crowns
The Springboks have showcased their extensive squad strength and prowess yet Erasmus pointed to their previous lower ranking
"Our team faced comparable conditions with fans destroying merchandise, but the Welsh people are here," he noted
"The encouragement continues and the team demonstrates determination. Get one or two wins, create a streak and circumstances will improve
"I recognize that things changed from 2016, when we were nowhere, achieving global success. Anything is possible"
Related topics
- Welsh Rugby
- National organization
- Rugby Union
