Etzebeth sent off: South Africa’s triumph marred by red card

Eben Etzebeth, sent off: Rassie Erasmus acknowledges the red card

South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus has stated that the red card shown to replacement player Eben Etzebeth was deserved following the incident with Alex Mann. The world champions dominated the match with 11 tries, while Wales suffered a tough defeat at the Principality Stadium. However, the end of the match had a bitter taste for South Africa, as Etzebeth was sent off in the last minute.

Erasmus commented:

I don’t know what I can say that isn’t controversial. It didn’t look good.

Rassie Erasmus

It was a justified red card. It’s definitely not the way we would have liked to end the match. The image wasn’t good.

Rassie Erasmus

Erasmus also offered a hopeful perspective for Wales, recalling his participation in South Africa’s historic 96-13 victory against them in Pretoria in June 1998, and how, twelve months later, he was part of the Springboks team that lost in Cardiff.

I’m referring to ’98 and ’99 because it shows that things can change rapidly.

Rassie Erasmus

Also added:

They have support here and if they can get into a dynamic, things will change.

Rassie Erasmus