'It appeared unfavorable' - Springboks coach reacts to Etzebeth red card

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South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus acknowledged "the visual impression was poor" following experienced second-row Eben Etzebeth was sent off for making contact with an opponent's eye against Wales

The Springboks completed an autumn clean sweep through overwhelming play at the Welsh capital to score multiple scores resulting in a 73-nil victory

Yet nearly the last action of the international year was Etzebeth, who crossed the concluding points receiving a red card from the official the match referee

The experienced player was given a sending-off for making contact with the left eye of Wales flanker Alex Mann via digital contact in a 79th-minute scuffle

"It's difficult to say what I can say without causing debate. It didn't look good and it was a justified red card," said Erasmus

"The manner it occurred and why it happened, if he was instigated, it's unclear, yet it's absolutely not the way we preferred to end the game. I believe the visual impression was positive"

Etzebeth, who increased his cap achievement when winning his 141st appearance in Wales, looks certain to be given a prolonged period out

His Sharks team start their European competition at Toulouse on Sunday, 7 December prior to a domestic match against Saracens and South African derbies during the holidays

The reigning titleholders overwhelmed their opponents during the match that was one-sided from the beginning

The current management's period has started with three heavy autumn defeats to South Africa, New Zealand and Argentina and a last-gasp win facing the Brave Blossoms

The national side has experienced numerous losses in current form but the coach attempted to provide encouragement

"I believe the squad has been progressing and improving, this represented a controlled performance," he commented

"Wales are not guys who surrender easily and take the shots, they battle continuously. This was one of the really clinical performances with our team displaying total dedication"

"Wales have a great coach and will come back. We know fortunes can reverse as demonstrated in 1998 we overcame them (by a huge margin) and then lost the following year"

The Springboks conclude the season as the number one side after winning back-to-back Rugby Championship titles

South Africa's team have displayed their formidable depth and capability yet Erasmus pointed to their previous lower ranking

"Our team faced comparable conditions and supporters expressing anger, but the Welsh people are here," he commented

"The encouragement continues and the players have the fight. Get one or two wins, get on a roll and circumstances will improve

"I'm aware that things changed from 2016, when we were nowhere, culminating in the 2019 championship. Potential remains unlimited"

Associated subjects

• Wales national team
• Wales Rugby Union
• Rugby Union