'The optics were poor' - Springboks coach discusses Etzebeth red card
The veteran lock has won two World Cups for his nation
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South Africa manager the national team coach admitted "the optics weren't great" in the wake of veteran forward Eben Etzebeth was sent off for an eye gouge in the match with Wales
South Africa's national team completed a flawless end-of-year tour through overwhelming play during the match registering eleven touchdowns resulting in a 73-0 win
Yet nearly the last action of the international year featured the veteran player, who crossed the concluding points receiving a red card from the official the presiding official
The 34-year-old received a red card due to contact the facial region of Wales flanker Alex Mann with his thumb during late-game altercation
"It's difficult to say how to respond that won't be controversial. The visual was unfavorable therefore it became a proper sending-off," said Erasmus
"The way it unfolded and why it happened, if he was instigated, I am not sure, but it's definitely not how we preferred to finish the contest. I don't think that the optics were great"
The second-row forward, who expanded his cap achievement when winning a 141st cap in Cardiff, looks certain to be given an extended suspension
His Sharks team commence their continental tournament at Toulouse this coming weekend followed by a home fixture against Saracens plus local rivalries during the holidays
The champions' measured intensity
The top-ranked team overwhelmed their opponents throughout the contest that became unbalanced from the beginning
The new coach's tenure has commenced with three heavy autumn defeats versus leading rugby powers plus a narrow victory versus the Asian side
Wales have lost 21 of their last 23 Test matches however the manager sought to provide encouragement
"In my opinion that we have been building and improving, this demonstrated a disciplined display," he said
"Wales are not a team that just roll over yield to pressure, they fight until the end. This demonstrated one of the really clinical performances featuring our squad exhibiting our soul out on the game"
"The team includes a quality leader and will rebound. We know fortunes can reverse as demonstrated in 1998 we defeated them (comprehensively) then were defeated the following year"
South Africa end the calendar ranked first globally after winning back-to-back Rugby Championship titles
South Africa's team have demonstrated their extensive squad strength and capability however the manager recalled their former position
"We were in that situation with fans destroying merchandise, yet Welsh supporters remain," he said
"The backing exists and the team demonstrates determination. Achieve early successes, build momentum and results will transform
"I recognize that fortunes reversed from 2016, when we were nowhere, culminating in the 2019 championship. Anything is possible"
Related topics
- Wales national team
- National organization
- Rugby Union
