'It appeared unfavorable' - Erasmus discusses Eben Etzebeth sending off

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Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus admitted "the optics weren't great" after legendary lock the towering player was sent off for making contact with an opponent's eye against Wales

The Springboks completed an autumn clean sweep with a dominant performance at the Welsh capital registering eleven touchdowns during a comprehensive shutout

Nevertheless nearly the last action of the international year was Etzebeth, who crossed the concluding points receiving a red card through the decision of the match referee

The experienced player was shown a dismissal for making contact the facial region of the Welsh player Alex Mann using his thumb in a 79th-minute scuffle

"I don't know what to comment that won't be controversial. The appearance was poor and it was a legitimate dismissal," commented the coach

"How it happened and why it happened, if he was instigated, it's unclear, but it's definitely not the manner that we would have liked to finish the contest. In my view it appeared favorable"

The experienced player, who extended his national team milestone by earning a 141st cap during the match, looks certain to face an extended suspension

His club side commence their continental tournament at Toulouse on Sunday, 7 December followed by a home fixture versus the English club plus local rivalries over the festive period

The world champions overwhelmed their opponents throughout the contest which proved lopsided from the beginning

The new coach's tenure has commenced with three heavy autumn defeats versus leading rugby powers alongside a late triumph facing the Brave Blossoms

The national side has experienced 21 of their last 23 Test matches yet Erasmus tried to offer some comfort

"I feel our team has been developing and improving, this demonstrated a measured showing," he commented

"Wales are not a team who surrender easily and take the shots, they battle continuously. This represented an exceptionally precise display and us putting our soul out on the game"

"The team includes a great coach and will rebound. We recognize it can change and in 1998 we beat them (96-13) subsequently fell the following year"

South Africa finish the year as the number one side having secured back-to-back Rugby Championship titles

South Africa's team have displayed their impressive resources and prowess but the coach referenced their previous lower ranking

"Our team faced comparable conditions and supporters expressing anger, however the fans continue attending," he said

"There is the support and the team demonstrates determination. Get one or two wins, build momentum and results will transform

"I recognize that things changed from our previous struggles, to 2019 when we won the World Cup. Anything is possible"

Associated subjects

• Wales national team
• National organization
• International rugby