'It appeared unfavorable' - Springboks coach discusses Etzebeth red card

• Released
  44 minutes ago
• Numerous reactions

South Africa leader the national team coach conceded "it didn't appear favorable" in the wake of experienced second-row Eben Etzebeth received a red card due to eye contact versus the Welsh team

South Africa's national team secured a perfect autumn series with a dominant performance at the Welsh capital to score eleven touchdowns during a 73-nil victory

Yet almost the final act of the international year involved the lock forward, who crossed the last try getting sent off from the official the match referee

The experienced player received a sending-off for making contact with the left eye of Wales flanker Alex Mann via digital contact in a 79th-minute scuffle

"I'm uncertain what to comment without causing debate. It didn't look good and it was a proper sending-off," stated the manager

"The way it unfolded and what prompted it, if he was instigated, I am not sure, however it's certainly not how that we would have liked to end the game. I don't think that the optics were great"

The second-row forward, who expanded his Springboks record when winning a 141st cap in Wales, appears likely to receive an extended suspension

His domestic franchise start their European competition in France on Sunday, 7 December followed by a home fixture facing the London side and South African derbies through the Christmas season

The reigning titleholders dominated the Welsh in a fixture that became unbalanced from the start

Steve Tandy's reign has started with three heavy autumn defeats to South Africa, New Zealand and Argentina plus a narrow victory versus the Asian side

The Welsh team has suffered numerous losses in current form but the coach attempted to offer some comfort

"I feel that we have been building and building up, this represented a controlled performance," he commented

"The Welsh team are not guys that just roll over and take the shots, they fight until the end. This was an exceptionally precise display featuring our squad exhibiting total dedication"

"The team includes 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 conclude the season top of world rugby after winning back-to-back Rugby Championship titles

The Springboks have demonstrated their impressive resources and power yet Erasmus pointed to when they were ranked sixth

"We experienced similar circumstances and supporters expressing anger, yet Welsh supporters remain," he said

"The backing exists with the squad showing spirit. Secure initial victories, get on a roll and results will transform

"I'm aware that situations transformed from our previous struggles, achieving global success. Anything is possible"

Related topics

• Welsh Rugby
• National organization
• Rugby Union