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

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South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus acknowledged "the visual impression was poor" in the wake of veteran forward Eben Etzebeth was dismissed due to eye contact in the match with Wales

The Springboks achieved a perfect autumn series by going on the rampage during the match registering eleven touchdowns during a 73-0 win

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

The veteran forward was given a red card due to contact the eye area of the Welsh player Alex Mann using his thumb in a 79th-minute scuffle

"It's difficult to say what I can say that won't be controversial. The visual was unfavorable making it a legitimate dismissal," commented the coach

"The way it unfolded and why it happened, whether there was provocation, I cannot confirm, but it's definitely not how we had hoped to finish the contest. In my view it appeared favorable"

The second-row forward, who increased his national team milestone when winning a 141st cap in Wales, looks certain to receive a prolonged period out

His domestic franchise commence their European competition in France this coming weekend prior to a domestic match facing the London side plus local rivalries through the Christmas season

The reigning titleholders overwhelmed their opponents during the match which proved lopsided from the beginning

The new coach's tenure has started with multiple significant losses to South Africa, New Zealand and Argentina and a last-gasp win facing the Brave Blossoms

The national side has experienced numerous losses in current form yet Erasmus tried to provide encouragement

"I believe our team has been developing and improving, this demonstrated a measured showing," he stated

"The Welsh team are not a team who surrender easily accept defeat, they battle continuously. This was an exceptionally precise display featuring our squad exhibiting our soul out on the game"

"The team includes an excellent manager and will rebound. We recognize it can change like the 1998 example we beat them (96-13) then were defeated the following year"

The national team conclude the season top of world rugby after winning back-to-back Rugby Championship titles

The world champions have displayed their impressive resources and prowess yet Erasmus pointed to when they were ranked sixth

"We experienced similar circumstances with fans destroying merchandise, but the Welsh people are here," he noted

"The encouragement continues and the players have the fight. Secure initial victories, create a streak and circumstances will improve

"I'm aware that situations transformed starting from a low base in 2016, to 2019 when we won the World Cup. All outcomes are achievable"

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