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

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Springboks manager the national team coach admitted "the visual impression was poor" following veteran forward the towering player was dismissed for an eye gouge against Wales

The Springboks achieved a flawless end-of-year tour by going on the rampage at the Welsh capital registering 11 tries in a 73-0 win

Yet almost the final act of the international year involved the lock forward, who went over the concluding points receiving a red card from the official the presiding official

The 34-year-old received a red card for making contact the facial region of opponent the back-row forward using his thumb in a 79th-minute scuffle

"It's difficult to say how to respond without causing debate. It didn't look good making it a justified red card," said Erasmus

"How it happened and why it happened, whether there was provocation, I cannot confirm, however it's certainly not how we had hoped to end the game. I don't think that the optics were great"

The experienced player, who expanded his national team milestone through receiving his 141st appearance in Cardiff, seems destined to receive a prolonged period out

His domestic franchise begin their continental tournament at Toulouse this coming weekend before a home game against Saracens including domestic clashes through the Christmas season

The world champions dominated the Welsh in a fixture that was one-sided from the beginning

Steve Tandy's reign has commenced following substantial reverses versus leading rugby powers and a last-gasp win facing the Brave Blossoms

The national side has experienced numerous losses in current form yet Erasmus tried to offer some comfort

"In my opinion our team has been developing and advancing, this demonstrated a controlled performance," he commented

"The Welsh are not guys that just roll over accept defeat, they compete throughout. This represented an exceptionally precise display and us putting maximum commitment"

"The team includes a quality leader and will come back. We know it can change like the 1998 example we overcame them (96-13) subsequently fell soon after"

The Springboks finish the year as the number one side following victories in successive tournament wins

South Africa's team have showcased their extensive squad strength and capability however the manager recalled when they were ranked sixth

"We were in that situation and people were burning jerseys, however the fans continue attending," he commented

"The encouragement continues and the team demonstrates determination. Achieve early successes, create a streak and things will change

"I recognize that fortunes reversed starting from a low base in 2016, to 2019 when we won the World Cup. All outcomes are achievable"

Related topics

• Welsh Rugby
• Wales Rugby Union
• Rugby Union