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

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South Africa leader Rassie Erasmus admitted "the optics weren't great" after veteran forward Eben Etzebeth received a red card for an eye gouge against Wales

The Springboks secured an autumn clean sweep by going on the rampage at the Welsh capital netting multiple scores resulting in a 73-0 win

Nevertheless almost the final act of the Test season featured the veteran player, who went over the last try receiving a red card from the official the presiding official

The 34-year-old received a red card for making contact with the left eye of opponent the back-row forward via digital contact in a 79th-minute scuffle

"I'm uncertain what to comment that won't be controversial. It didn't look good making it a legitimate dismissal," said Erasmus

"The way it unfolded and the reasons behind it, if he was instigated, I am not sure, however it's certainly not how we had hoped to end the game. I don't think it appeared favorable"

The experienced player, who increased his national team milestone by earning a 141st cap in Wales, looks certain to receive a prolonged period out

His domestic franchise commence their European competition against the French side early December before a home game versus the English club and South African derbies through the Christmas season

The world champions overpowered Wales during the match that was one-sided from the start

The current management's period has commenced with three heavy autumn defeats versus leading rugby powers alongside a late triumph facing the Brave Blossoms

Wales have lost multiple defeats in recent games however the manager sought to give reassurance

"I believe our team has been developing and advancing, this represented a controlled performance," he commented

"The Welsh team are not players who surrender easily yield to pressure, they compete throughout. This represented a remarkably efficient showing featuring our squad exhibiting our soul out on the game"

"The Welsh possess a quality leader and shall return. We understand it can change like the 1998 example we beat them (by a huge margin) and then lost the following year"

South Africa end the calendar ranked first globally after winning back-to-back Rugby Championship titles

South Africa's team have showcased their formidable depth and capability however the manager recalled their previous lower ranking

"Our team faced comparable conditions and people were burning jerseys, yet Welsh supporters remain," he commented

"The backing exists and the team demonstrates determination. Get one or two wins, get on a roll and results will transform

"I'm aware that situations transformed from our previous struggles, culminating in the 2019 championship. Potential remains unlimited"

Related topics

• Wales national team
• National organization
• Rugby Union