'It appeared unfavorable' - Springboks coach reacts to Eben Etzebeth dismissal
Eben Etzebeth has claimed back-to-back global titles representing the Springboks
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Springboks head coach the national team coach conceded "the optics weren't great" in the wake of experienced second-row Eben Etzebeth was dismissed for an eye gouge versus the Welsh team
The Springboks achieved a flawless end-of-year tour with a dominant performance in Cardiff netting eleven touchdowns resulting in a 73-0 win
Yet virtually the concluding moment of the annual campaign was Etzebeth, who scored for the final score getting sent off from the official the presiding official
The experienced player was given a red card due to contact the eye area of opponent the back-row forward with his thumb during late-game altercation
"I'm uncertain what I can say that won't be controversial. The visual was unfavorable and it was a proper sending-off," said Erasmus
"The way it unfolded and what prompted it, and if he was provoked, it's unclear, however it's certainly not the way we preferred to finish the contest. I believe it appeared favorable"
Etzebeth, who increased his national team milestone when winning a 141st cap in Wales, seems destined to face a prolonged period out
His domestic franchise commence their European competition at Toulouse on Sunday, 7 December prior to a domestic match facing the London side plus local rivalries during the holidays
Springboks' controlled aggression
The world champions dominated the Welsh throughout the contest that became unbalanced from the off
Steve Tandy's reign has begun with multiple significant losses against top-tier nations alongside a late triumph facing the Brave Blossoms
The Welsh team has suffered numerous losses in current form but the coach attempted to give reassurance
"I feel that we have been building and advancing, this was a measured showing," he stated
"Wales are not a team that give up accept defeat, they battle continuously. This was a remarkably efficient showing with our team displaying our soul out on the game"
"The team includes a quality leader and will come back. We understand it can change like the 1998 example we beat them (by a huge margin) subsequently fell in 1999"
The national team finish the year top of world rugby after winning back-to-back Rugby Championship titles
The world champions have demonstrated their impressive resources and prowess however the manager recalled their former position
"Our team faced comparable conditions with fans destroying merchandise, yet Welsh supporters remain," he commented
"There is the support and the players have the fight. Secure initial victories, create a streak and circumstances will improve
"I know that situations transformed starting from a low base in 2016, culminating in the 2019 championship. Potential remains unlimited"
Connected themes
- Wales national team
- Wales Rugby Union
- Rugby Union