'It appeared unfavorable' - Springboks coach discusses Etzebeth red card
Eben Etzebeth has won dual world championships for his nation
- Published44 minutes ago
- Over sixty responses
Springboks leader Rassie Erasmus acknowledged "the optics weren't great" in the wake of veteran forward the towering player received a red card for an eye gouge against Wales
South Africa's national team secured a perfect autumn series through overwhelming play during the match to score eleven touchdowns in a comprehensive shutout
Yet nearly the last action of the international year involved the lock forward, who crossed the last try receiving a red card from the official the presiding official
The 34-year-old was shown a red card for touching the facial region of Wales flanker Alex Mann with his thumb in a match-ending incident
"I'm uncertain what I can say without causing debate. The appearance was poor therefore it became a justified red card," said Erasmus
"The way it unfolded and the reasons behind it, whether there was provocation, it's unclear, yet it's absolutely not how we preferred to conclude the match. In my view it appeared favorable"
Etzebeth, who increased his cap achievement by earning a 141st cap in Cardiff, looks certain to be given a lengthy ban
His domestic franchise begin their continental tournament against the French side early December followed by a home fixture facing the London side plus local rivalries over the festive period
South Africa's disciplined power
The world champions overpowered Wales in a fixture that became unbalanced from the beginning
Steve Tandy's reign has begun following substantial reverses against top-tier nations and a last-gasp win against Japan
Wales have lost 21 of their last 23 Test matches but the coach attempted to provide encouragement
"In my opinion that we have been building and building up, this was a controlled performance," he stated
"The Welsh team are not players who surrender easily and take the shots, they battle continuously. This was a remarkably efficient showing and us putting maximum commitment"
"The Welsh possess an excellent manager and shall return. We understand fortunes can reverse as demonstrated in 1998 we overcame them (by a huge margin) subsequently fell the following year"
The Springboks end the calendar top of world rugby after winning successive tournament wins
The world champions have displayed their extensive squad strength and prowess however the manager recalled their former position
"We were in that situation and supporters expressing anger, yet Welsh supporters remain," he noted
"The backing exists and the team demonstrates determination. Secure initial victories, build momentum and things will change
"I know that fortunes reversed starting from a low base in 2016, to 2019 when we won the World Cup. Anything is possible"
Associated subjects
- Welsh Rugby
- The governing body
- Rugby Union
