'It appeared unfavorable' - Springboks coach discusses Eben Etzebeth red card

Springboks action photo

Eben Etzebeth has secured back-to-back global titles with South Africa

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South Africa leader the national team coach admitted "it didn't appear favorable" in the wake of veteran forward the towering player was dismissed for making contact with an opponent's eye in the match with Wales

The Springboks achieved a flawless end-of-year tour with a dominant performance during the match to score eleven touchdowns resulting in a comprehensive shutout

Nevertheless virtually the concluding moment of the Test season was Etzebeth, who went over for the final score being dismissed by referee the match referee

The veteran forward received a red card for touching the eye area of the Welsh player Alex Mann via digital contact during late-game altercation

"I'm uncertain how to respond that avoids controversy. It didn't look good therefore it became a justified red card," stated the manager

"The manner it occurred and what prompted it, whether there was provocation, I am not sure, yet it's absolutely not how we preferred to finish the contest. In my view it appeared favorable"

The second-row forward, who extended his cap achievement by earning his 141st appearance in Wales, appears likely to receive an extended suspension

His club side start their continental tournament in France early December followed by a home fixture versus the English club plus local rivalries through the Christmas season

Springboks' controlled aggression

The reigning titleholders overwhelmed their opponents during the match that was one-sided from the off

The current management's period has begun following substantial reverses versus leading rugby powers alongside a late triumph against Japan

Wales have lost 21 of their last 23 Test matches however the manager sought to give reassurance

"In my opinion that we have been building and improving, this was a controlled performance," he commented

"Wales are not a team who surrender easily yield to pressure, they fight until the end. This represented an exceptionally precise display and us putting total dedication"

"Wales have a great coach and shall return. We recognize situations can transform like the 1998 example we overcame them (by a huge margin) subsequently fell in 1999"

The Springboks end the calendar as the number one side after winning successive tournament wins

South Africa's team have displayed their formidable depth and prowess however the manager recalled when they were ranked sixth

"We experienced similar circumstances and people were burning jerseys, yet Welsh supporters remain," he commented

"There is the support and the players have the fight. Secure initial victories, create a streak and things will change

"I know that fortunes reversed from our previous struggles, to 2019 when we won the World Cup. Anything is possible"

Associated subjects

  • Rugby in Wales
  • The governing body
  • International rugby
Thomas Cook
Thomas Cook

Elena is a tech enthusiast and business strategist with over a decade of experience in digital transformation and startup consulting.