'It appeared unfavorable' - Springboks coach discusses Etzebeth sending off

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South Africa leader the national team coach admitted "the optics weren't great" after legendary lock Eben Etzebeth was sent off for making contact with an opponent's eye against Wales

The Springboks secured a flawless end-of-year tour with a dominant performance in Cardiff registering eleven touchdowns in a 73-0 win

However almost the final act of the annual campaign featured the veteran player, who went over for the final score being dismissed through the decision of the presiding official

The experienced player was shown a sending-off for making contact the facial region of Wales flanker Alex Mann using his thumb during late-game altercation

"It's difficult to say what to comment without causing debate. It didn't look good and it was a legitimate dismissal," stated the manager

"The way it unfolded and the reasons behind it, whether there was provocation, I am not sure, yet it's absolutely not the manner that we would have liked to end the game. In my view the visual impression was positive"

The second-row forward, who increased his national team milestone by earning cap number 141 in Cardiff, seems destined to face a prolonged period out

His domestic franchise begin their Champions Cup campaign in France early December prior to a domestic match versus the English club and South African derbies over the festive period

The world champions dominated the Welsh during the match that was one-sided from the start

The current management's period has begun following substantial reverses against top-tier nations plus a narrow victory versus the Asian side

The Welsh team has suffered multiple defeats in recent games yet Erasmus tried to offer some comfort

"In my opinion our team has been developing and building up, this demonstrated a controlled performance," he said

"The Welsh are not players that just roll over and take the shots, they fight until the end. This was an exceptionally precise display with our team displaying maximum commitment"

"The Welsh possess a great coach and will come back. We know fortunes can reverse like the 1998 example we overcame them (96-13) and then lost in 1999"

The national team end the calendar as the number one side following victories in successive tournament wins

The world champions have displayed their impressive resources and prowess yet Erasmus pointed to their former position

"Our team faced comparable conditions with fans destroying merchandise, but the Welsh people are here," he said

"There is the support and the team demonstrates determination. Achieve early successes, create a streak and circumstances will improve

"I know that fortunes reversed starting from a low base in 2016, to 2019 when we won the World Cup. Anything is possible"

Associated subjects

• Welsh Rugby
• The governing body
• Rugby Union