'It didn't look good' - Springboks coach discusses Etzebeth red card

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Springboks leader the national team coach conceded "it didn't appear favorable" following veteran forward Eben Etzebeth was sent off for making contact with an opponent's eye in the match with Wales

The Springboks completed an autumn clean sweep through overwhelming play at the Welsh capital registering eleven touchdowns during a 73-nil victory

However nearly the last action of the international year involved the lock forward, who went over the concluding points being dismissed through the decision of Luc Ramos

The veteran forward received a sending-off for touching the facial region of opponent the back-row forward via digital contact in a match-ending incident

"I don't know how to respond without causing debate. The visual was unfavorable therefore it became a legitimate dismissal," commented the coach

"The manner it occurred and the reasons behind it, if he was instigated, I cannot confirm, however it's certainly not the way we preferred to finish the contest. I don't think it appeared favorable"

Etzebeth, who extended his national team milestone when winning cap number 141 in Cardiff, appears likely to be given a lengthy ban

His domestic franchise start their continental tournament at Toulouse on Sunday, 7 December prior to a domestic match versus the English club including domestic clashes over the festive period

The reigning titleholders overwhelmed their opponents during the match which proved lopsided from the start

The new coach's tenure has commenced with three heavy autumn defeats versus leading rugby powers and a last-gasp win against Japan

The national side has experienced multiple defeats in recent games however the manager sought to give reassurance

"I feel that we have been building and improving, this demonstrated a disciplined display," he commented

"The Welsh are not players that give up accept defeat, they battle continuously. This represented a remarkably efficient showing and us putting maximum commitment"

"The team includes an excellent manager and shall return. We recognize it can change as demonstrated in 1998 we beat them (96-13) then were defeated the following year"

South Africa end the calendar top of world rugby having secured back-to-back Rugby Championship titles

The Springboks have demonstrated their formidable depth and power however the manager recalled their previous lower ranking

"Our team faced comparable conditions and people were burning jerseys, but the Welsh people are here," he noted

"There is the support with the squad showing spirit. Secure initial victories, get on a roll and results will transform

"I'm aware that things changed from our previous struggles, culminating in the 2019 championship. Anything is possible"

Related topics

• Rugby in Wales
• National organization
• International rugby