'It didn't look good' - Erasmus on Eben Etzebeth red card
Eben Etzebeth has won back-to-back global titles representing the Springboks
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South Africa manager the national team coach conceded "it didn't appear favorable" in the wake of experienced second-row the towering player was dismissed for making contact with an opponent's eye against Wales
The Springboks achieved a perfect autumn series with a dominant performance in Cardiff registering multiple scores in a comprehensive shutout
Nevertheless virtually the concluding moment of the Test season was Etzebeth, who went over the last try getting sent off by referee the presiding official
The 34-year-old was shown a red card for touching with the left eye of Wales flanker Alex Mann with his thumb during late-game altercation
"I don't know how to respond that won't be controversial. The appearance was poor therefore it became a legitimate dismissal," stated the manager
"The way it unfolded and the reasons behind it, if he was instigated, it's unclear, yet it's absolutely not how that we would have liked to conclude the match. In my view it appeared favorable"
The second-row forward, who expanded his Springboks record through receiving his 141st appearance during the match, looks certain to be given an extended suspension
His domestic franchise commence their European competition against the French side early December before a home game versus the English club and South African derbies during the holidays
South Africa's disciplined power
The reigning titleholders overwhelmed their opponents in a fixture that was one-sided from the start
The current management's period has started following substantial reverses versus leading rugby powers plus a narrow victory facing the Brave Blossoms
The Welsh team has suffered 21 of their last 23 Test matches however the manager sought to provide encouragement
"In my opinion our team has been developing and improving, this represented a disciplined display," he commented
"Wales are not guys that just roll over and take the shots, they fight until the end. This was one of the really clinical performances featuring our squad exhibiting maximum commitment"
"The team includes an excellent manager and will rebound. We know fortunes can reverse and in 1998 we defeated them (by a huge margin) subsequently fell soon after"
South Africa end the calendar as the number one side after winning consecutive southern hemisphere crowns
South Africa's team have demonstrated their extensive squad strength and capability yet Erasmus pointed to when they were ranked sixth
"Our team faced comparable conditions and people were burning jerseys, however the fans continue attending," he commented
"The encouragement continues with the squad showing spirit. Secure initial victories, get on a roll and circumstances will improve
"I'm aware that fortunes reversed from 2016, when we were nowhere, culminating in the 2019 championship. Anything is possible"
Related topics
- Wales national team
- National organization
- Rugby Union