Springboks utility back Damian de Allende has apologied to All Blacks first-five Lima Sopoaga after being shown a straight red card for a dangerous tackle in New Zealand's 25-24 win in Cape Town.
As Sopoaga attempted at a drop goal late in the match, de Allande made an attempt to charge the kick down, before crashing into the first-five with his forearm.
Referee Jerome Garces checked upstairs with TMO Rowan Kitt, who after length deliberation found the incident worthy of a straight red card, ending de Allande's match as South Africa pushed for an improbable victory.
Taking to Twitter after the match, de Allende posted a photo of both he and Sopoaga together, apparently over any hostility that the red card may have bought.
"Apologies bro," de Allende posted.
"Was never my intention. all the best for the remainder of the year. #stillmates."
Sopoaga wasted no time in accepting his opponent's apology.
"Don't sweat it bro. I know there was no malice in it," he tweeted.
"That's just footy. Lekker game my bro. #whathappensonthefieldstaysonthefield."
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