'It didn't look good' - Erasmus reacts to Eben Etzebeth sending off
Eben Etzebeth has secured two World Cups for his nation
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South Africa manager Rassie Erasmus admitted "the visual impression was poor" following legendary lock Eben Etzebeth received a red card due to eye contact in the match with Wales
South Africa's national team completed a flawless end-of-year tour with a dominant performance during the match to score 11 tries in a 73-0 win
Yet virtually the concluding moment of the annual campaign involved the lock forward, who went over the concluding points getting sent off through the decision of the presiding official
The veteran forward received a red card due to contact the eye area of the Welsh player the back-row forward with his thumb in a match-ending incident
"I'm uncertain what I can say that won't be controversial. The visual was unfavorable therefore it became a legitimate dismissal," said Erasmus
"How it happened and the reasons behind it, and if he was provoked, I am not sure, however it's certainly not the manner we preferred to end the game. In my view that the optics were great"
The second-row forward, who extended his Springboks record when winning cap number 141 in Wales, appears likely to face a prolonged period out
His domestic franchise start their Champions Cup campaign against the French side on Sunday, 7 December followed by a home fixture versus the English club plus local rivalries during the holidays
South Africa's disciplined power
The top-ranked team overwhelmed their opponents during the match that was one-sided from the start
The new coach's tenure has commenced with multiple significant losses against top-tier nations alongside a late triumph against Japan
The national side has experienced multiple defeats in recent games however the manager sought to give reassurance
"I believe the squad has been progressing and advancing, this demonstrated a measured showing," he commented
"The Welsh team are not a team that just roll over and take the shots, they battle continuously. This demonstrated an exceptionally precise display featuring our squad exhibiting maximum commitment"
"The team includes a great coach and will rebound. We know it can change like the 1998 example we defeated them (comprehensively) and then lost soon after"
South Africa finish the year ranked first globally after winning consecutive southern hemisphere crowns
The world champions have displayed their impressive resources and prowess but the coach referenced when they were ranked sixth
"We were in that situation and supporters expressing anger, however the fans continue attending," he commented
"The encouragement continues and the players have the fight. Achieve early successes, build momentum and results will transform
"I'm aware that things changed from 2016, when we were nowhere, culminating in the 2019 championship. Potential remains unlimited"
Related topics
- Welsh Rugby
- The governing body
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