'It appeared unfavorable' - Erasmus on Etzebeth sending off

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Springboks head coach the national team coach acknowledged "the visual impression was poor" after experienced second-row Eben Etzebeth received a red card for making contact with an opponent's eye in the match with Wales

The Springboks secured a flawless end-of-year tour by going on the rampage at the Welsh capital netting 11 tries in a 73-nil victory

Nevertheless almost the final act of the international year involved the lock forward, who went over the concluding points being dismissed from the official the match referee

The veteran forward was shown a red card for touching the facial region of opponent Alex Mann using his thumb during late-game altercation

"I don't know what I can say that won't be controversial. The visual was unfavorable therefore it became a legitimate dismissal," commented the coach

"How it happened and what prompted it, whether there was provocation, I am not sure, yet it's absolutely not the way we preferred to conclude the match. In my view the visual impression was positive"

The experienced player, who expanded his Springboks record by earning his 141st appearance in Cardiff, seems destined to face an extended suspension

His domestic franchise commence their European competition at Toulouse on Sunday, 7 December before a home game facing the London side and South African derbies during the holidays

The reigning titleholders dominated the Welsh throughout the contest that became unbalanced from the beginning

The current management's period has started following substantial reverses against top-tier nations and a last-gasp win facing the Brave Blossoms

Wales have lost numerous losses in current form yet Erasmus tried to offer some comfort

"In my opinion the squad has been progressing and building up, this was a disciplined display," he said

"Wales are not guys that just roll over and take the shots, they battle continuously. This was a remarkably efficient showing and us putting maximum commitment"

"The Welsh possess a great coach and shall return. We know it can change and in 1998 we beat them (comprehensively) subsequently fell in 1999"

The Springboks finish the year as the number one side having secured successive tournament wins

The Springboks have displayed their impressive resources 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 commented

"The backing exists with the squad showing spirit. Get one or two wins, create a streak and things will change

"I know that things changed starting from a low base in 2016, culminating in the 2019 championship. Anything is possible"

Related topics

• Wales national team
• The governing body
• Rugby Union