'It didn't look good' - Springboks coach discusses Etzebeth red card
Eben Etzebeth has won two World Cups with South Africa
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South Africa head coach the national team coach conceded "it didn't appear favorable" in the wake of experienced second-row Eben Etzebeth received a red card for an eye gouge in the match with Wales
The Springboks secured a perfect autumn series through overwhelming play at the Welsh capital registering multiple scores in a 73-nil victory
However almost the final act of the international year involved the lock forward, who crossed for the final score being dismissed from the official the presiding official
The experienced player was given a dismissal for making contact with the left eye of the Welsh player Alex Mann via digital contact in a match-ending incident
"It's difficult to say how to respond that avoids controversy. The visual was unfavorable therefore it became a legitimate dismissal," stated the manager
"The way it unfolded and what prompted it, if he was instigated, it's unclear, yet it's absolutely not the manner that we would have liked to finish the contest. I believe that the optics were great"
The experienced player, who extended his cap achievement when winning cap number 141 during the match, appears likely to face an extended suspension
His Sharks team begin their European competition in France on Sunday, 7 December before a home game facing the London side including domestic clashes over the festive period
The champions' measured intensity
The top-ranked team overpowered Wales during the match which proved lopsided from the off
The current management's period has commenced with three heavy autumn defeats against top-tier nations plus a narrow victory facing the Brave Blossoms
Wales have lost numerous losses in current form however the manager sought to give reassurance
"I feel our team has been developing and building up, this was a measured showing," he commented
"The Welsh team are not a team that give up and take the shots, they battle continuously. This represented a remarkably efficient showing with our team displaying our soul out on the game"
"The team includes an excellent manager and shall return. We know situations can transform as demonstrated in 1998 we beat them (96-13) then were defeated in 1999"
South Africa end the calendar ranked first globally after winning consecutive southern hemisphere crowns
South Africa's team have demonstrated their formidable depth and power however the manager recalled their former position
"We experienced similar circumstances with fans destroying merchandise, but the Welsh people are here," he commented
"There is the support with the squad showing spirit. Get one or two wins, create a streak and circumstances will improve
"I recognize that situations transformed starting from a low base in 2016, to 2019 when we won the World Cup. Anything is possible"
Associated subjects
- Rugby in Wales
- Wales Rugby Union
- The sport