'It appeared unfavorable' - Erasmus reacts to Etzebeth dismissal

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Springboks manager the national team coach conceded "it didn't appear favorable" following legendary lock the towering player received a red card due to eye contact against Wales

The Springboks completed a flawless end-of-year tour by going on the rampage at the Welsh capital registering eleven touchdowns during a 73-nil victory

Yet virtually the concluding moment of the annual campaign featured the veteran player, who crossed the last try getting sent off by referee the match referee

The veteran forward was given a dismissal for touching with the left eye of the Welsh player Alex Mann using his thumb during late-game altercation

"I don't know how to respond without causing debate. It didn't look good therefore it became a proper sending-off," stated the manager

"How it happened and what prompted it, if he was instigated, it's unclear, however it's certainly not the way that we would have liked to finish the contest. I don't think that the optics were great"

The second-row forward, who increased his cap achievement when winning cap number 141 in Wales, appears likely to receive a prolonged period out

His Sharks team begin their Champions Cup campaign against the French side on Sunday, 7 December before a home game against Saracens and South African derbies over the festive period

The reigning titleholders overpowered Wales during the match that became unbalanced from the off

The current management's period has commenced with three heavy autumn defeats against top-tier nations alongside a late triumph against Japan

Wales have lost multiple defeats in recent games but the coach attempted to provide encouragement

"I feel our team has been developing and improving, this represented a controlled performance," he stated

"The Welsh are not guys who surrender easily and take the shots, they battle continuously. This represented one of the really clinical performances featuring our squad exhibiting our soul out on the game"

"The team includes a quality leader and shall return. We recognize situations can transform like the 1998 example we overcame them (by a huge margin) and then lost in 1999"

The national team end the calendar ranked first globally having secured back-to-back Rugby Championship titles

South Africa's team have showcased their formidable depth and capability yet Erasmus pointed to when they were ranked sixth

"We experienced similar circumstances and supporters expressing anger, however the fans continue attending," he commented

"The encouragement continues and the players have the fight. Secure initial victories, build momentum and things will change

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

Connected themes

• Rugby in Wales
• Wales Rugby Union
• International rugby