'Not a good look' - Eben red mars perfect tour

A record-breaking 73-0 win should have been the perfect finale to the Springboks’ November tour, yet the mood soured in Cardiff when Eben Etzebeth was shown a red card — a moment head coach Rassie Erasmus admitted “didn’t look good” for the world champions.

- LEIGHTON KOOPMAN

EBEN Etzebet.

(BackpagePix)

While the world champions finished their away tour unbeaten after the commanding win, the red card shown to Etzebeth following a scuffle marred the occasion. The towering lock, with over 140 caps, put his hands in an opponent's eye area and now looks set to receive a heavy suspension.

It was the second consecutive season that the Boks remained unbeaten in Europe, while they also finished the season with 13 victories from 15 matches for an 86.7% win record.

However, after scoring 11 tries against the Welsh, that red card — a third on the tour following ones against France and Italy — poured cold water on an otherwise brilliant game.

“I don't know what I can say now that won't be controversial,” Erasmus said of the card.