'It appeared unfavorable' - Erasmus reacts to Eben Etzebeth sending off

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South Africa leader Rassie Erasmus acknowledged "it didn't appear favorable" following legendary lock Eben Etzebeth was sent off due to eye contact against Wales

The Springboks achieved a flawless end-of-year tour through overwhelming play at the Welsh capital to score 11 tries resulting in a comprehensive shutout

However almost the final act of the Test season involved the lock forward, who scored for the final score getting sent off by referee the match referee

The veteran forward was shown a red card for touching the eye area of the Welsh player the back-row forward with his thumb during late-game altercation

"I don't know how to respond without causing debate. It didn't look good and it was a justified red card," stated the manager

"The manner it occurred and the reasons behind it, if he was instigated, I cannot confirm, however it's certainly not how that we would have liked to end the game. In my view that the optics were great"

The second-row forward, who increased his cap achievement when winning a 141st cap in Wales, looks certain to be given a prolonged period out

His domestic franchise start their European competition against the French side early December prior to a domestic match versus the English club plus local rivalries over the festive period

The top-ranked team dominated the Welsh in a fixture that was one-sided from the start

Steve Tandy's reign has commenced following substantial reverses versus leading rugby powers and a last-gasp win facing the Brave Blossoms

The national side has experienced multiple defeats in recent games yet Erasmus tried to provide encouragement

"I believe the squad has been progressing and advancing, this represented a disciplined display," he said

"The Welsh team are not players that just roll over and take the shots, they battle continuously. This represented one of the really clinical performances and us putting total dedication"

"The Welsh possess a great coach and will come back. We understand fortunes can reverse and in 1998 we overcame them (by a huge margin) subsequently fell soon after"

South Africa conclude the season ranked first globally after winning back-to-back Rugby Championship titles

The world champions have demonstrated their extensive squad strength and capability however the manager recalled their former position

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

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

"I'm aware that situations transformed from our previous struggles, to 2019 when we won the World Cup. Anything is possible"

Associated subjects

• Wales national team
• The governing body
• The sport