'It didn't look good' - Erasmus discusses Eben Etzebeth sending off
Eben Etzebeth has won back-to-back global titles for his nation
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South Africa manager the national team coach conceded "it didn't appear favorable" in the wake of legendary lock the towering player was sent off for an eye gouge in the match with Wales
South Africa's national team completed a flawless end-of-year tour by going on the rampage during the match netting 11 tries during a 73-0 win
Nevertheless almost the final act of the international year featured the veteran player, who scored the last try receiving a red card by referee the match referee
The veteran forward was shown a sending-off due to contact the facial region of the Welsh player Alex Mann with his thumb in a 79th-minute scuffle
"I don't know what to comment that won't be controversial. The visual was unfavorable therefore it became a justified red card," commented the coach
"The manner it occurred and why it happened, if he was instigated, I cannot confirm, however it's certainly not the manner we preferred to end the game. In my view that the optics were great"
The experienced player, who extended his national team milestone when winning his 141st appearance during the match, seems destined to receive a lengthy ban
His Sharks team commence their Champions Cup campaign in France early December followed by a home fixture against Saracens including domestic clashes through the Christmas season
Springboks' controlled aggression
The top-ranked team overwhelmed their opponents in a fixture that was one-sided from the off
Steve Tandy's reign has commenced with multiple significant losses against top-tier nations alongside a late triumph versus the Asian side
The national side has experienced 21 of their last 23 Test matches however the manager sought to provide encouragement
"I believe that we have been building and advancing, this was a disciplined display," he said
"The Welsh are not players that give up yield to pressure, they fight until the end. This represented one of the really clinical performances featuring our squad exhibiting our soul out on the game"
"The team includes an excellent manager and will rebound. We understand situations can transform like the 1998 example we defeated them (96-13) then were defeated in 1999"
South Africa end the calendar ranked first globally after winning back-to-back Rugby Championship titles
The Springboks have showcased their formidable depth and capability but the coach referenced their previous lower ranking
"We experienced similar circumstances with fans destroying merchandise, yet Welsh supporters remain," he said
"The encouragement continues and the team demonstrates determination. Achieve early successes, build momentum and results will transform
"I'm aware that situations transformed from 2016, when we were nowhere, achieving global success. Potential remains unlimited"
Related topics
- Rugby in Wales
- National organization
- International rugby
