'It appeared unfavorable' - Erasmus on Eben Etzebeth dismissal
The veteran lock has won two World Cups with South Africa
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South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus conceded "the visual impression was poor" following veteran forward the towering player was sent off for making contact with an opponent's eye in the match with Wales
The Springboks completed an autumn clean sweep by going on the rampage during the match netting eleven touchdowns resulting in a 73-nil victory
Nevertheless virtually the concluding moment of the annual campaign involved the lock forward, who went over the concluding points being dismissed from the official the presiding official
The veteran forward was given a red card due to contact the eye area of the Welsh player the back-row forward using his thumb in a 79th-minute scuffle
"I'm uncertain what I can say that won't be controversial. It didn't look good and it was a proper sending-off," said Erasmus
"The manner it occurred and what prompted it, whether there was provocation, I cannot confirm, yet it's absolutely not the way we had hoped to conclude the match. I believe that the optics were great"
Etzebeth, who increased his cap achievement through receiving his 141st appearance in Wales, looks certain to be given a lengthy ban
His club side commence their continental tournament against the French side on Sunday, 7 December before a home game against Saracens including domestic clashes during the holidays
The champions' measured intensity
The reigning titleholders overpowered Wales in a fixture that was one-sided from the start
The current management's period has begun with multiple significant losses versus leading rugby powers and a last-gasp win versus the Asian side
The national side has experienced multiple defeats in recent games yet Erasmus tried to offer some comfort
"I feel our team has been developing and advancing, this was a measured showing," he said
"Wales are not guys that give up accept defeat, they fight until the end. This was a remarkably efficient showing featuring our squad exhibiting maximum commitment"
"Wales have an excellent manager and shall return. We recognize fortunes can reverse and in 1998 we beat them (comprehensively) then were defeated the following year"
The national team conclude the season top of world rugby having secured consecutive southern hemisphere crowns
The world champions have showcased their formidable depth and power however the manager recalled their previous lower ranking
"We experienced similar circumstances and supporters expressing anger, however the fans continue attending," he commented
"The backing exists and the team demonstrates determination. Secure initial victories, create a streak and results will transform
"I know that fortunes reversed from our previous struggles, culminating in the 2019 championship. All outcomes are achievable"
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