'It didn't look good' - Springboks coach discusses Etzebeth dismissal

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Springboks head coach the national team coach acknowledged "the optics weren't great" following experienced second-row Eben Etzebeth was dismissed for making contact with an opponent's eye against Wales

South Africa's national team completed a flawless end-of-year tour through overwhelming play at the Welsh capital registering eleven touchdowns resulting in a 73-nil victory

Yet nearly the last action of the annual campaign involved the lock forward, who crossed for the final score getting sent off from the official the match referee

The 34-year-old was given a dismissal for making contact the facial region of Wales flanker Alex Mann using his thumb in a 79th-minute scuffle

"It's difficult to say what I can say that avoids controversy. It didn't look good making it a proper sending-off," stated the manager

"The way it unfolded and what prompted it, if he was instigated, I cannot confirm, however it's certainly not how we had hoped to end the game. I believe it appeared favorable"

Etzebeth, who increased his Springboks record through receiving a 141st cap in Cardiff, seems destined to face an extended suspension

His domestic franchise begin their European competition at Toulouse early December before a home game versus the English club including domestic clashes during the holidays

The world champions dominated the Welsh in a fixture that was one-sided from the off

Steve Tandy's reign has started following substantial reverses against top-tier nations alongside a late triumph against Japan

The Welsh team has suffered multiple defeats in recent games however the manager sought to provide encouragement

"I believe that we have been building and advancing, this was a disciplined display," he commented

"The Welsh are not players that just roll over accept defeat, they compete throughout. This demonstrated a remarkably efficient showing and us putting total dedication"

"The team includes a great coach and shall return. We recognize it can change like the 1998 example we defeated them (96-13) then were defeated soon after"

The national team conclude the season as the number one side after winning back-to-back Rugby Championship titles

The Springboks have displayed their formidable depth and prowess however the manager recalled their previous lower ranking

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

"The encouragement continues and the team demonstrates determination. Achieve early successes, build momentum and circumstances will improve

"I know that situations transformed from 2016, when we were nowhere, culminating in the 2019 championship. Anything is possible"

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