'It appeared unfavorable' - Erasmus on Etzebeth dismissal

Rugby match photo

Eben Etzebeth has claimed two World Cups representing the Springboks

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Springboks leader Rassie Erasmus acknowledged "it didn't appear favorable" in the wake of veteran forward the towering player received a red card for an eye gouge versus the Welsh team

The Springboks achieved an autumn clean sweep by going on the rampage at the Welsh capital to score eleven touchdowns resulting in a 73-nil victory

Yet nearly the last action of the Test season was Etzebeth, who crossed the concluding points being dismissed through the decision of the match referee

The 34-year-old received a dismissal due to contact the eye area of Wales flanker Alex Mann via digital contact during late-game altercation

"I don't know what I can say that avoids controversy. The appearance was poor therefore it became a legitimate dismissal," said Erasmus

"How it happened and what prompted it, whether there was provocation, I cannot confirm, but it's definitely not the way that we would have liked to finish the contest. In my view it appeared favorable"

The second-row forward, who extended his national team milestone through receiving a 141st cap during the match, looks certain to face a prolonged period out

His Sharks team begin their continental tournament against the French side this coming weekend followed by a home fixture facing the London side plus local rivalries during the holidays

South Africa's disciplined power

The top-ranked team overpowered Wales in a fixture that became unbalanced from the off

The new coach's tenure has started with three heavy autumn defeats versus leading rugby powers alongside a late triumph facing the Brave Blossoms

Wales have lost multiple defeats in recent games but the coach attempted to offer some comfort

"In my opinion that we have been building and improving, this represented a disciplined display," he said

"The Welsh team are not guys that give up yield to pressure, they fight until the end. This represented a remarkably efficient showing and us putting our soul out on the game"

"The team includes a quality leader and shall return. We recognize situations can transform as demonstrated in 1998 we defeated them (comprehensively) subsequently fell in 1999"

South Africa end the calendar as the number one side after winning successive tournament wins

South Africa's team have showcased their impressive resources and power however the manager recalled their former position

"We were in that situation and people were burning jerseys, however the fans continue attending," he said

"The backing exists and the players have the fight. Secure initial victories, create a streak and circumstances will improve

"I'm aware that fortunes reversed from 2016, when we were nowhere, to 2019 when we won the World Cup. Anything is possible"

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Lori Bryan
Lori Bryan

Elara is a certified fitness coach and wellness advocate with over a decade of experience in helping individuals achieve their health goals.