'It didn't look good' - Springboks coach on Eben Etzebeth dismissal

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South Africa leader Rassie Erasmus acknowledged "the visual impression was poor" after veteran forward the towering player received a red card for making contact with an opponent's eye versus the Welsh team

The Springboks secured a perfect autumn series through overwhelming play in Cardiff registering multiple scores resulting in a comprehensive shutout

However almost the final act of the international year was Etzebeth, who crossed the concluding points being dismissed by referee the presiding official

The veteran forward received a dismissal for touching the facial region of the Welsh player the back-row forward using his thumb in a 79th-minute scuffle

"I don't know what I can say that won't be controversial. It didn't look good making it a legitimate dismissal," said Erasmus

"The way it unfolded and why it happened, if he was instigated, I am not sure, but it's definitely not the way we preferred to end the game. In my view the visual impression was positive"

The experienced player, who increased his Springboks record through receiving his 141st appearance in Cardiff, seems destined to be given a prolonged period out

His club side start their European competition in France on Sunday, 7 December before a home game versus the English club including domestic clashes through the Christmas season

The world champions dominated the Welsh during the match that became unbalanced from the off

Steve Tandy's reign has begun with three heavy autumn defeats to South Africa, New Zealand and Argentina plus a narrow victory facing the Brave Blossoms

The national side has experienced multiple defeats in recent games however the manager sought to provide encouragement

"In my opinion the squad has been progressing and improving, this was a measured showing," he stated

"Wales are not players that give up and take the shots, they fight until the end. This was one of the really clinical performances featuring our squad exhibiting our soul out on the game"

"The Welsh possess a great coach and will rebound. We understand situations can transform like the 1998 example we overcame them (96-13) then were defeated in 1999"

The national team finish the year top of world rugby having secured back-to-back Rugby Championship titles

South Africa's team have displayed their formidable depth and prowess however the manager recalled when they were ranked sixth

"Our team faced comparable conditions and supporters expressing anger, however the fans continue attending," he commented

"The encouragement continues and the players have the fight. Get one or two wins, get on a roll and things will change

"I recognize that fortunes reversed from 2016, when we were nowhere, culminating in the 2019 championship. Potential remains unlimited"

Associated subjects

• Wales national team
• The governing body
• Rugby Union