'It didn't look good' - Erasmus discusses Eben Etzebeth sending off

Rugby match photo

The veteran lock has claimed back-to-back global titles representing the Springboks

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South Africa head coach the national team coach acknowledged "the visual impression was poor" after legendary lock Eben Etzebeth received a red card due to eye contact against Wales

The Springboks secured a perfect autumn series through overwhelming play during the match to score eleven touchdowns in a 73-nil victory

However nearly the last action of the international year featured the veteran player, who crossed for the final score being dismissed by referee the match referee

The veteran forward was given a dismissal for touching the eye area of the Welsh player Alex Mann via digital contact in a 79th-minute scuffle

"I don't know what I can say that avoids controversy. It didn't look good therefore it became a proper sending-off," commented the coach

"How it happened and why it happened, whether there was provocation, I cannot confirm, but it's definitely not the manner we had hoped to conclude the match. In my view that the optics were great"

The experienced player, who extended his national team milestone through receiving cap number 141 in Wales, appears likely to be given a lengthy ban

His club side start their Champions Cup campaign against the French side early December followed by a home fixture facing the London side including domestic clashes over the festive period

The champions' measured intensity

The world champions overwhelmed their opponents during the match that was one-sided from the beginning

The new coach's tenure has started following substantial reverses to South Africa, New Zealand and Argentina alongside a late triumph facing the Brave Blossoms

The Welsh team has suffered multiple defeats in recent games but the coach attempted to give reassurance

"I feel that we have been building and improving, this demonstrated a disciplined display," he commented

"Wales are not players that just roll over and take the shots, they fight until the end. This represented a remarkably efficient showing featuring our squad exhibiting our soul out on the game"

"The team includes a great coach and will come back. We understand situations can transform like the 1998 example we defeated them (comprehensively) then were defeated in 1999"

The Springboks conclude the season as the number one side having secured back-to-back Rugby Championship titles

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

"We experienced similar circumstances and people were burning jerseys, but the Welsh people are here," he commented

"The encouragement continues with the squad showing spirit. Get one or two wins, get on a roll and circumstances will improve

"I recognize that situations transformed from our previous struggles, to 2019 when we won the World Cup. All outcomes are achievable"

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Adam Owens
Adam Owens

A certified yoga instructor and wellness coach passionate about holistic health and mindfulness.