'It didn't look good' - Springboks coach reacts to Eben Etzebeth dismissal
Eben Etzebeth has won two World Cups with South Africa
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Springboks leader Rassie Erasmus conceded "the optics weren't great" in the wake of veteran forward the towering player was dismissed for an eye gouge versus the Welsh team
The Springboks secured a perfect autumn series with a dominant performance during the match registering multiple scores in a 73-nil victory
Nevertheless nearly the last action of the Test season involved the lock forward, who crossed the concluding points getting sent off by referee the match referee
The 34-year-old received a dismissal for touching the facial region of Wales flanker Alex Mann using his thumb in a 79th-minute scuffle
"It's difficult to say what I can say without causing debate. The appearance was poor and it was a justified red card," said Erasmus
"The manner it occurred and what prompted it, and if he was provoked, I cannot confirm, yet it's absolutely not the manner that we would have liked to finish the contest. I believe it appeared favorable"
The experienced player, who increased his national team milestone through receiving cap number 141 in Wales, appears likely to face a prolonged period out
His domestic franchise start their continental tournament at Toulouse early December prior to a domestic match versus the English club plus local rivalries through the Christmas season
The champions' measured intensity
The reigning titleholders overpowered Wales in a fixture that became unbalanced from the start
The new coach's tenure has commenced with multiple significant losses to South Africa, New Zealand and Argentina and a last-gasp win against Japan
The Welsh team has suffered multiple defeats in recent games however the manager sought to give reassurance
"I feel our team has been developing and improving, this represented a disciplined display," he stated
"The Welsh are not guys that just roll over and take the shots, they fight until the end. This represented an exceptionally precise display with our team displaying total dedication"
"Wales have a quality leader and shall return. We understand fortunes can reverse and in 1998 we overcame them (96-13) subsequently fell in 1999"
The national team end the calendar ranked first globally after winning back-to-back Rugby Championship titles
The Springboks have displayed their impressive resources and capability however the manager recalled when they were ranked sixth
"We experienced similar circumstances and supporters expressing anger, but the Welsh people are here," he said
"The backing exists and the team demonstrates determination. Secure initial victories, create a streak and circumstances will improve
"I'm aware that things changed from 2016, when we were nowhere, achieving global success. All outcomes are achievable"
Associated subjects
- Rugby in Wales
- The governing body
- Rugby Union