'It appeared unfavorable' - Springboks coach reacts to Eben Etzebeth sending off

• Posted
  44 minutes ago
• Over sixty responses

Springboks leader Rassie Erasmus admitted "the optics weren't great" following experienced second-row the towering player received a red card for making contact with an opponent's eye in the match with Wales

South Africa's national team secured a perfect autumn series by going on the rampage in Cardiff to score eleven touchdowns resulting in a 73-0 win

However virtually the concluding moment of the annual campaign was Etzebeth, who scored for the final score receiving a red card by referee the presiding official

The 34-year-old was given a red card due to contact with the left eye of the Welsh player Alex Mann with his thumb during late-game altercation

"It's difficult to say what to comment without causing debate. The visual was unfavorable and it was a proper sending-off," stated the manager

"The manner it occurred and why it happened, whether there was provocation, I cannot confirm, yet it's absolutely not the manner that we would have liked to conclude the match. I don't think that the optics were great"

Etzebeth, who increased his Springboks record through receiving his 141st appearance in Cardiff, appears likely to receive an extended suspension

His club side begin their Champions Cup campaign against the French side early December followed by a home fixture versus the English club plus local rivalries over the festive period

The reigning titleholders dominated the Welsh during the match that became unbalanced from the off

The current management's period has started with multiple significant losses to South Africa, New Zealand and Argentina plus a narrow victory against Japan

Wales have lost numerous losses in current form however the manager sought to give reassurance

"I feel that we have been building and advancing, this was a controlled performance," he stated

"The Welsh are not players who surrender easily accept defeat, they compete throughout. This demonstrated a remarkably efficient showing with our team displaying our soul out on the game"

"The team includes a quality leader and shall return. We recognize situations can transform and in 1998 we defeated them (96-13) then were defeated in 1999"

The Springboks conclude the season ranked first globally after winning back-to-back Rugby Championship titles

The Springboks have displayed their extensive squad strength and capability but the coach referenced their previous lower ranking

"Our team faced comparable conditions and people were burning jerseys, however the fans continue attending," he said

"The backing exists and the team demonstrates determination. Get one or two wins, get on a roll and circumstances will improve

"I know that fortunes reversed from our previous struggles, to 2019 when we won the World Cup. All outcomes are achievable"

Associated subjects

• Welsh Rugby
• The governing body
• The sport