'It appeared unfavorable' - Erasmus on Etzebeth dismissal

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South Africa leader the national team coach acknowledged "it didn't appear favorable" after experienced second-row Eben Etzebeth was sent off for making contact with an opponent's eye against Wales

The Springboks achieved a perfect autumn series by going on the rampage during the match to score eleven touchdowns in a 73-0 win

Nevertheless nearly the last action of the Test season was Etzebeth, who went over the last try getting sent off by referee the presiding official

The 34-year-old was shown a red card due to contact the eye area of opponent the back-row forward with his thumb during late-game altercation

"I don't know what to comment without causing debate. The visual was unfavorable therefore it became a legitimate dismissal," stated the manager

"How it happened and the reasons behind it, whether there was provocation, I cannot confirm, however it's certainly not the way that we would have liked to finish the contest. I don't think it appeared favorable"

The experienced player, who expanded his national team milestone when winning a 141st cap in Cardiff, appears likely to receive an extended suspension

His club side start their continental tournament in France this coming weekend before a home game versus the English club plus local rivalries during the holidays

The world champions overpowered Wales in a fixture that was one-sided from the beginning

The new coach's tenure has begun with multiple significant losses versus leading rugby powers plus a narrow victory against Japan

The Welsh team has suffered 21 of their last 23 Test matches yet Erasmus tried to offer some comfort

"I feel that we have been building and building up, this represented a disciplined display," he commented

"The Welsh team are not guys that give up yield to pressure, they fight until the end. This was a remarkably efficient showing and us putting our soul out on the game"

"The Welsh possess an excellent manager and will rebound. We understand it can change as demonstrated in 1998 we defeated them (by a huge margin) and then lost soon after"

South Africa finish the year ranked first globally following victories in consecutive southern hemisphere crowns

South Africa's team have displayed their formidable depth and capability but the coach referenced their former position

"Our team faced comparable conditions and people were burning jerseys, however the fans continue attending," he commented

"The encouragement continues and the team demonstrates determination. Secure initial victories, create a streak and results will transform

"I know that things changed from 2016, when we were nowhere, achieving global success. Anything is possible"

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• Welsh Rugby
• The governing body
• The sport