'It didn't look good' - Springboks coach on Etzebeth dismissal
Eben Etzebeth has secured back-to-back global titles with South Africa
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Springboks leader Rassie Erasmus admitted "it didn't appear favorable" in the wake of veteran forward the towering player received a red card for an eye gouge versus the Welsh team
South Africa's national team secured a perfect autumn series by going on the rampage in Cardiff to score multiple scores during a 73-nil victory
Nevertheless nearly the last action of the international year featured the veteran player, who went over the concluding points getting sent off from the official the presiding official
The veteran forward was shown a dismissal for touching the facial region of the Welsh player Alex Mann using his thumb during late-game altercation
"I don't know what to comment without causing debate. The appearance was poor therefore it became a proper sending-off," stated the manager
"The way it unfolded and what prompted it, whether there was provocation, it's unclear, however it's certainly not how we preferred to finish the contest. I believe that the optics were great"
The experienced player, who expanded his national team milestone through receiving a 141st cap during the match, appears likely to receive a prolonged period out
His domestic franchise commence their Champions Cup campaign in France on Sunday, 7 December followed by a home fixture versus the English club including domestic clashes over the festive period
Springboks' controlled aggression
The reigning titleholders dominated the Welsh throughout the contest which proved lopsided from the start
The new coach's tenure has started with multiple significant losses to South Africa, New Zealand and Argentina plus a narrow victory versus the Asian side
The national side has experienced 21 of their last 23 Test matches however the manager sought to give reassurance
"I feel that we have been building and building up, this demonstrated a measured showing," he commented
"The Welsh are not a team who surrender easily and take the shots, they battle continuously. This was a remarkably efficient showing and us putting our soul out on the game"
"The team includes a great coach and shall return. We understand it can change and in 1998 we overcame them (by a huge margin) and then lost the following year"
The national team conclude the season top of world rugby after winning consecutive southern hemisphere crowns
The Springboks have demonstrated their formidable depth and prowess but the coach referenced their previous lower ranking
"We experienced similar circumstances with fans destroying merchandise, however the fans continue attending," he said
"The encouragement continues and the team demonstrates determination. Get one or two wins, build momentum and results will transform
"I know that things changed from our previous struggles, achieving global success. Potential remains unlimited"
Connected themes
- Rugby in Wales
- National organization
- The sport