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

• Published
  Less than an hour ago
• Numerous reactions

Springboks manager Rassie Erasmus conceded "it didn't appear favorable" after experienced second-row the towering player was dismissed for an eye gouge in the match with Wales

The Springboks completed a flawless end-of-year tour by going on the rampage in Cardiff registering eleven touchdowns in a comprehensive shutout

Yet almost the final act of the annual campaign featured the veteran player, who scored the last try getting sent off through the decision of Luc Ramos

The experienced player received a dismissal for touching the eye area of Wales flanker Alex Mann via digital contact in a match-ending incident

"I'm uncertain what to comment that won't be controversial. The appearance was poor therefore it became a justified red card," said Erasmus

"How it happened and why it happened, and if he was provoked, I am not sure, yet it's absolutely not how we had hoped to finish the contest. In my view the visual impression was positive"

The experienced player, who expanded his Springboks record when winning a 141st cap during the match, looks certain to be given an extended suspension

His domestic franchise start their European competition in France on Sunday, 7 December before a home game against Saracens and South African derbies over the festive period

The top-ranked team dominated the Welsh in a fixture that was one-sided from the off

The new coach's tenure has commenced with multiple significant losses to South Africa, New Zealand and Argentina and a last-gasp win versus the Asian side

Wales have lost numerous losses in current form but the coach attempted to provide encouragement

"In my opinion the squad has been progressing and building up, this was a controlled performance," he stated

"Wales are not players that just roll over and take the shots, they battle continuously. This represented one of the really clinical performances featuring our squad exhibiting maximum commitment"

"The team includes a great coach and will rebound. We know fortunes can reverse and in 1998 we overcame them (by a huge margin) then were defeated in 1999"

The Springboks conclude the season top of world rugby after winning successive tournament wins

South Africa's team have showcased their extensive squad strength and power however the manager recalled their former position

"We experienced similar circumstances with fans destroying merchandise, yet Welsh supporters remain," he said

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

"I recognize that situations transformed from 2016, when we were nowhere, culminating in the 2019 championship. Potential remains unlimited"

Related topics

• Rugby in Wales
• The governing body
• Rugby Union