'It didn't look good' - Springboks coach reacts to Etzebeth sending off
The veteran lock has claimed two World Cups with South Africa
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South Africa head coach the national team coach acknowledged "the visual impression was poor" in the wake of veteran forward Eben Etzebeth received a red card due to eye contact against Wales
The Springboks completed a flawless end-of-year tour through overwhelming play in Cardiff netting eleven touchdowns resulting in a 73-nil victory
However virtually the concluding moment of the international year featured the veteran player, who crossed the concluding points being dismissed from the official the match referee
The experienced player was given a red card due to contact the eye area of Wales flanker Alex Mann via digital contact in a match-ending incident
"I'm uncertain what I can say that won't be controversial. It didn't look good making it a legitimate dismissal," commented the coach
"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 end the game. In my view the visual impression was positive"
The experienced player, who increased his national team milestone by earning his 141st appearance in Cardiff, looks certain to receive an extended suspension
His Sharks team commence their Champions Cup campaign in France this coming weekend prior to a domestic match against Saracens and South African derbies during the holidays
Springboks' controlled aggression
The reigning titleholders dominated the Welsh throughout the contest which proved lopsided from the start
The new coach's tenure has started following substantial reverses versus leading rugby powers alongside a late triumph versus the Asian side
The national side has experienced multiple defeats in recent games however the manager sought to give reassurance
"I believe our team has been developing and improving, this represented a controlled performance," he said
"The Welsh team are not guys that give up and take the shots, they battle continuously. This represented a remarkably efficient showing featuring our squad exhibiting maximum commitment"
"The team includes a great coach and shall return. We know situations can transform as demonstrated in 1998 we defeated them (96-13) and then lost the following year"
The national team finish the year top of world rugby having secured successive tournament wins
The Springboks have showcased their extensive squad strength and power however the manager recalled their previous lower ranking
"Our team faced comparable conditions with fans destroying merchandise, but the Welsh people are here," he commented
"The encouragement continues and the players have the fight. Secure initial victories, build momentum and results will transform
"I know that fortunes reversed starting from a low base in 2016, to 2019 when we won the World Cup. Potential remains unlimited"
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