'The optics were poor' - Erasmus on Eben Etzebeth dismissal
Eben Etzebeth has won back-to-back global titles for his nation
- Published44 minutes ago
- Numerous reactions
South Africa head coach the national team coach conceded "the visual impression was poor" after veteran forward the towering player received a red card due to eye contact in the match with Wales
The Springboks completed a flawless end-of-year tour through overwhelming play at the Welsh capital to score multiple scores during a 73-0 win
However almost the final act of the international year featured the veteran player, who scored for the final score getting sent off through the decision of the match referee
The experienced player was shown a dismissal due to contact the eye area of Wales flanker the back-row forward via digital contact in a match-ending incident
"It's difficult to say how to respond that avoids controversy. The appearance was poor making it a justified red card," commented the coach
"How it happened and what prompted it, if he was instigated, I am not sure, but it's definitely not the manner that we would have liked to finish the contest. I believe the visual impression was positive"
The second-row forward, who expanded his national team milestone through receiving cap number 141 during the match, looks certain to face an extended suspension
His club side start their Champions Cup campaign at Toulouse on Sunday, 7 December followed by a home fixture facing the London side and South African derbies through the Christmas season
The champions' measured intensity
The reigning titleholders overwhelmed their opponents throughout the contest that became unbalanced from the off
The new coach's tenure has started following substantial reverses versus leading rugby powers alongside a late triumph against Japan
Wales have lost multiple defeats in recent games but the coach attempted to provide encouragement
"I believe the squad has been progressing and advancing, this was a controlled performance," he commented
"Wales are not a team who surrender easily yield to pressure, they fight until the end. This demonstrated one of the really clinical performances and us putting our soul out on the game"
"Wales have an excellent manager and shall return. We know situations can transform and in 1998 we beat them (by a huge margin) subsequently fell in 1999"
South Africa finish the year top of world rugby following victories in consecutive southern hemisphere crowns
The world champions have demonstrated their impressive resources and prowess however the manager recalled when they were ranked sixth
"Our team faced comparable conditions and supporters expressing anger, yet Welsh supporters remain," he noted
"The encouragement continues and the players have the fight. Achieve early successes, get on a roll and circumstances will improve
"I recognize that things changed starting from a low base in 2016, culminating in the 2019 championship. All outcomes are achievable"
Connected themes
- Rugby in Wales
- The governing body
- Rugby Union
