'The optics were poor' - Erasmus discusses Eben Etzebeth red card
Eben Etzebeth has secured dual world championships for his nation
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Springboks manager Rassie Erasmus acknowledged "the visual impression was poor" after experienced second-row the towering player received a red card for making contact with an opponent's eye versus the Welsh team
The Springboks completed a flawless end-of-year tour by going on the rampage in Cardiff to score 11 tries in a 73-0 win
However virtually the concluding moment of the annual campaign featured the veteran player, who went over the concluding points getting sent off through the decision of the match referee
The 34-year-old was shown a red card due to contact the facial region of Wales flanker the back-row forward with his thumb in a 79th-minute scuffle
"It's difficult to say what I can say that avoids controversy. The appearance was poor and it was a justified red card," commented the coach
"The manner it occurred and the reasons behind it, whether there was provocation, I am not sure, however it's certainly not the manner we preferred to end the game. I don't think the visual impression was positive"
The second-row forward, who increased his Springboks record by earning his 141st appearance in Cardiff, looks certain to be given an extended suspension
His Sharks team start their European competition against the French side early December followed by a home fixture against Saracens and South African derbies through the Christmas season
The champions' measured intensity
The top-ranked team overwhelmed their opponents in a fixture that became unbalanced from the start
The current management's period has commenced with three heavy autumn defeats versus leading rugby powers plus a narrow victory versus the Asian side
The Welsh team has suffered multiple defeats in recent games yet Erasmus tried to offer some comfort
"I feel our team has been developing and building up, this was a controlled performance," he stated
"The Welsh are not guys that give up accept defeat, they compete throughout. This demonstrated an exceptionally precise display featuring our squad exhibiting total dedication"
"Wales have a quality leader and shall return. We recognize situations can transform like the 1998 example we defeated them (by a huge margin) and then lost soon after"
South Africa conclude the season ranked first globally after winning consecutive southern hemisphere crowns
The world champions have demonstrated their formidable depth and prowess however the manager recalled when they were ranked sixth
"Our team faced comparable conditions and people were burning jerseys, but the Welsh people are here," he commented
"The encouragement continues and the team demonstrates determination. Get one or two wins, build momentum and things will change
"I know that things changed starting from a low base in 2016, achieving global success. Potential remains unlimited"
Related topics
- Wales national team
- The governing body
- International rugby