'It didn't look good' - Springboks coach on Etzebeth red card

Springboks match photo

Eben Etzebeth has claimed back-to-back global titles with South Africa

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Springboks manager the national team coach conceded "the visual impression was poor" following veteran forward the towering player was sent off for an eye gouge versus the Welsh team

South Africa's national team completed an autumn clean sweep with a dominant performance during the match registering eleven touchdowns during a comprehensive shutout

Yet virtually the concluding moment of the annual campaign was Etzebeth, who crossed for the final score being dismissed through the decision of the match referee

The veteran forward was shown a dismissal for making contact the facial region of opponent the back-row forward via digital contact in a 79th-minute scuffle

"I don't know what I can say that avoids controversy. The appearance was poor and it was a legitimate dismissal," said Erasmus

"The way it unfolded and why it happened, and if he was provoked, it's unclear, yet it's absolutely not the manner we had hoped to conclude the match. In my view that the optics were great"

The experienced player, who increased his cap achievement through receiving cap number 141 during the match, seems destined to be given a lengthy ban

His Sharks team commence their Champions Cup campaign at Toulouse early December prior to a domestic match against Saracens and South African derbies during the holidays

Springboks' controlled aggression

The top-ranked team overpowered Wales during the match that was one-sided from the off

The new coach's tenure has commenced with three heavy autumn defeats against top-tier nations plus a narrow victory facing the Brave Blossoms

The Welsh team has suffered 21 of their last 23 Test matches yet Erasmus tried to offer some comfort

"I feel our team has been developing and improving, this represented a controlled performance," he said

"The Welsh team are not players that give up accept defeat, they compete throughout. This was one of the really clinical performances featuring our squad exhibiting our soul out on the game"

"Wales have a quality leader and will come back. We know situations can transform and in 1998 we defeated them (by a huge margin) then were defeated the following year"

South Africa finish the year top of world rugby having secured consecutive southern hemisphere crowns

The Springboks have showcased their extensive squad strength and power however the manager recalled when they were ranked sixth

"We were in that situation and supporters expressing anger, but the Welsh people are here," he commented

"There is the support and the team demonstrates determination. Secure initial victories, build momentum and circumstances will improve

"I recognize that things changed from our previous struggles, achieving global success. Anything is possible"

Connected themes

  • Welsh Rugby
  • National organization
  • International rugby
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