'It didn't look good' - Springboks coach discusses Etzebeth red card
Eben Etzebeth has won back-to-back global titles for his nation
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Springboks manager the national team coach acknowledged "it didn't appear favorable" after experienced second-row Eben Etzebeth received a red card due to eye contact against Wales
The Springboks completed an autumn clean sweep with a dominant performance during the match netting 11 tries resulting in a 73-0 win
Yet virtually the concluding moment of the annual campaign featured the veteran player, who went over the concluding points receiving a red card through the decision of the presiding official
The veteran forward was given a dismissal for making contact the facial region of opponent Alex Mann with his thumb in a match-ending incident
"It's difficult to say what I can say that won't be controversial. The visual was unfavorable therefore it became a justified red card," stated the manager
"The way it unfolded and what prompted it, whether there was provocation, it's unclear, but it's definitely not how that we would have liked to end the game. In my view that the optics were great"
The second-row forward, who increased his national team milestone through receiving his 141st appearance during the match, seems destined to be given an extended suspension
His domestic franchise start their European competition in France this coming weekend prior to a domestic match against Saracens plus local rivalries through the Christmas season
Springboks' controlled aggression
The reigning titleholders overpowered Wales throughout the contest that was one-sided from the beginning
The current management's period has begun following substantial reverses to South Africa, New Zealand and Argentina plus a narrow victory against Japan
The Welsh team has suffered multiple defeats in recent games but the coach attempted to provide encouragement
"I feel our team has been developing and improving, this demonstrated a controlled performance," he said
"The Welsh team are not players that give up and take the shots, they fight until the end. This represented a remarkably efficient showing with our team displaying our soul out on the game"
"The team includes a great coach and will come back. We know situations can transform as demonstrated in 1998 we defeated them (by a huge margin) then were defeated in 1999"
South Africa end the calendar top of world rugby after winning consecutive southern hemisphere crowns
The world champions have showcased their impressive resources and prowess yet Erasmus pointed to their previous lower ranking
"We were in that situation and people were burning jerseys, but the Welsh people are here," he commented
"The backing exists and the players have the fight. Secure initial victories, build momentum and circumstances will improve
"I recognize that things changed from 2016, when we were nowhere, to 2019 when we won the World Cup. Anything is possible"
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- Welsh Rugby
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