'It appeared unfavorable' - Erasmus reacts to Etzebeth red card

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Springboks leader Rassie Erasmus acknowledged "the visual impression was poor" after veteran forward Eben Etzebeth was sent off for making contact with an opponent's eye versus the Welsh team

The Springboks completed an autumn clean sweep through overwhelming play in Cardiff netting eleven touchdowns during a 73-0 win

Yet almost the final act of the international year involved the lock forward, who crossed the last try receiving a red card from the official Luc Ramos

The 34-year-old was given a dismissal for making contact with the left eye of the Welsh player the back-row forward using his thumb in a match-ending incident

"It's difficult to say how to respond that avoids controversy. The appearance was poor and it was a legitimate dismissal," said Erasmus

"The way it unfolded and the reasons behind it, if he was instigated, I am not sure, yet it's absolutely not the manner we had hoped to end the game. I don't think the visual impression was positive"

The experienced player, who increased his national team milestone through receiving cap number 141 in Cardiff, looks certain to face an extended suspension

His club side start their Champions Cup campaign at Toulouse on Sunday, 7 December prior to a domestic match against Saracens plus local rivalries during the holidays

The reigning titleholders overwhelmed their opponents throughout the contest that was one-sided from the off

Steve Tandy's reign has started with multiple significant losses to South Africa, New Zealand and Argentina plus a narrow victory versus the Asian side

Wales have lost multiple defeats in recent games yet Erasmus tried to give reassurance

"I feel our team has been developing and advancing, this demonstrated a measured showing," he said

"The Welsh team are not a team who surrender easily yield to pressure, they battle continuously. This demonstrated an exceptionally precise display with our team displaying total dedication"

"The team includes an excellent manager and shall return. We know situations can transform and in 1998 we overcame them (96-13) then were defeated in 1999"

South Africa conclude the season top of world rugby having secured consecutive southern hemisphere crowns

The Springboks have demonstrated their extensive squad strength and prowess however the manager recalled their previous lower ranking

"We were in that situation with fans destroying merchandise, but the Welsh people are here," he said

"The backing exists and the players have the fight. Achieve early successes, get on a roll and things will change

"I recognize that fortunes reversed from our previous struggles, to 2019 when we won the World Cup. All outcomes are achievable"

Associated subjects

• Welsh Rugby
• National organization
• Rugby Union