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

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South Africa manager Rassie Erasmus acknowledged "the visual impression was poor" following veteran forward the towering player was dismissed due to eye contact against Wales

South Africa's national team secured an autumn clean sweep through overwhelming play in Cardiff netting 11 tries during a comprehensive shutout

Yet nearly the last action of the international year featured the veteran player, who crossed the concluding points being dismissed from the official the presiding official

The veteran forward was shown a sending-off due to contact the facial region of opponent the back-row forward using his thumb in a 79th-minute scuffle

"It's difficult to say what to comment that avoids controversy. The appearance was poor and it was a legitimate dismissal," stated the manager

"How it happened and what prompted it, whether there was provocation, I cannot confirm, but it's definitely not the manner that we would have liked to end the game. I don't think it appeared favorable"

The experienced player, who expanded his national team milestone through receiving a 141st cap during the match, seems destined to receive a lengthy ban

His domestic franchise begin their Champions Cup campaign in France this coming weekend before a home game facing the London side and South African derbies during the holidays

The world champions overwhelmed their opponents in a fixture which proved lopsided from the start

The new coach's tenure has started with multiple significant losses versus leading rugby powers and a last-gasp win versus the Asian side

The national side has experienced 21 of their last 23 Test matches yet Erasmus tried to provide encouragement

"In my opinion that we have been building and advancing, this was a measured showing," he commented

"Wales are not a team who surrender easily accept defeat, they fight until the end. This was an exceptionally precise display and us putting our soul out on the game"

"Wales have a great coach and will rebound. We understand situations can transform like the 1998 example we beat them (comprehensively) then were defeated soon after"

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

The world champions have displayed their extensive squad strength and capability however the manager recalled when they were ranked sixth

"Our team faced comparable conditions with fans destroying merchandise, but the Welsh people are here," he noted

"The backing exists with the squad showing spirit. Achieve early successes, build momentum and things will change

"I'm aware that things changed starting from a low base in 2016, culminating in the 2019 championship. Potential remains unlimited"

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• Wales national team
• Wales Rugby Union
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