'It appeared unfavorable' - Erasmus on Etzebeth red card
The veteran lock has won back-to-back global titles for his nation
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Springboks manager Rassie Erasmus admitted "it didn't appear favorable" following legendary lock Eben Etzebeth received a red card 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 in Cardiff to score 11 tries resulting in a 73-0 win
Nevertheless virtually the concluding moment of the international year featured the veteran player, who scored the last try being dismissed through the decision of the match referee
The veteran forward was given a dismissal for touching with the left eye of opponent the back-row forward with his thumb in a match-ending incident
"It's difficult to say how to respond that avoids controversy. The appearance was poor and it was a legitimate dismissal," said Erasmus
"The way it unfolded and the reasons behind it, and if he was provoked, it's unclear, however it's certainly not the way we preferred to conclude the match. I don't think the visual impression was positive"
Etzebeth, who extended his cap achievement through receiving his 141st appearance during the match, looks certain to be given an extended suspension
His domestic franchise commence their continental tournament in France on Sunday, 7 December followed by a home fixture against Saracens and South African derbies through the Christmas season
Springboks' controlled aggression
The reigning titleholders overpowered Wales in a fixture that was one-sided from the off
The new coach's tenure has commenced with three heavy autumn defeats to South Africa, New Zealand and Argentina alongside a late triumph versus the Asian side
The national side has experienced multiple defeats in recent games but the coach attempted to offer some comfort
"In my opinion our team has been developing and building up, this demonstrated a measured showing," he stated
"The Welsh are not players that just roll over accept defeat, they battle continuously. This demonstrated one of the really clinical performances featuring our squad exhibiting total dedication"
"Wales have a quality leader and will come back. We understand fortunes can reverse and in 1998 we overcame them (by a huge margin) and then lost soon after"
The Springboks conclude the season top of world rugby having secured consecutive southern hemisphere crowns
The Springboks have demonstrated their impressive resources and power yet Erasmus pointed to their previous lower ranking
"Our team faced comparable conditions and supporters expressing anger, however the fans continue attending," he commented
"There is the support and the team demonstrates determination. Achieve early successes, build momentum and circumstances will improve
"I know that things changed starting from a low base in 2016, culminating in the 2019 championship. Anything is possible"
Related topics
- Rugby in Wales
- The governing body
- The sport
