'It didn't look good' - Springboks coach reacts to Eben Etzebeth red card

Rugby match photo

Eben Etzebeth has claimed dual world championships with South Africa

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Springboks manager Rassie Erasmus admitted "the visual impression was poor" after experienced second-row the towering player was dismissed for making contact with an opponent's eye in the match with Wales

South Africa's national team achieved a flawless end-of-year tour by going on the rampage during the match registering eleven touchdowns during a 73-0 win

However almost the final act of the annual campaign was Etzebeth, who scored for the final score getting sent off through the decision of the match referee

The experienced player received a red card for making contact with the left eye of Wales flanker the back-row forward via digital contact in a 79th-minute scuffle

"I'm uncertain what to comment that avoids controversy. The appearance was poor and it was a legitimate dismissal," said Erasmus

"How it happened and the reasons behind it, if he was instigated, I cannot confirm, but it's definitely not the way we had hoped to end the game. I believe that the optics were great"

The second-row forward, who expanded his national team milestone through receiving his 141st appearance in Cardiff, seems destined to receive a lengthy ban

His club side begin their continental tournament in France early 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 during the match which proved lopsided from the beginning

The current management's period has commenced following substantial reverses versus leading rugby powers alongside a late triumph facing the Brave Blossoms

The Welsh team has suffered 21 of their last 23 Test matches however the manager sought to provide encouragement

"I feel the squad has been progressing and improving, this was a disciplined display," he stated

"The Welsh team are not guys that give up yield to pressure, they battle continuously. This was a remarkably efficient showing and us putting maximum commitment"

"The Welsh possess an excellent manager and will come back. We understand fortunes can reverse as demonstrated in 1998 we beat them (comprehensively) subsequently fell in 1999"

The national team end the calendar top of world rugby after winning back-to-back Rugby Championship titles

The world champions have showcased their impressive resources and power however the manager recalled their previous lower ranking

"We experienced similar circumstances and people were burning jerseys, yet Welsh supporters remain," he commented

"There is the support and the players have the fight. Achieve early successes, get on a roll and results will transform

"I'm aware that situations transformed starting from a low base in 2016, culminating in the 2019 championship. Potential remains unlimited"

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  • Wales national team
  • The governing body
  • Rugby Union
Nicholas Best
Nicholas Best

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