'It didn't look good' - Erasmus discusses Etzebeth sending off

• Released
  Recently published
• 63 Comments

South Africa leader the national team coach 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 by going on the rampage during the match to score 11 tries resulting in a 73-nil victory

Nevertheless nearly the last action of the Test season was Etzebeth, who scored the concluding points receiving a red card by referee the match referee

The experienced player received a dismissal for making contact with the left eye of the Welsh player Alex Mann via digital contact during late-game altercation

"I don't know how to respond without causing debate. The visual was unfavorable and it was a justified red card," said Erasmus

"The way it unfolded and what prompted it, if he was instigated, I cannot confirm, however it's certainly not the manner we preferred to end the game. I don't think that the optics were great"

The second-row forward, who extended his cap achievement when winning a 141st cap during the match, appears likely to face a prolonged period out

His Sharks team begin their continental tournament in France early December followed by a home fixture facing the London side including domestic clashes through the Christmas season

The top-ranked team overwhelmed their opponents in a fixture that became unbalanced from the start

The current management's period has commenced following substantial reverses to South Africa, New Zealand and Argentina alongside a late triumph versus the Asian side

The national side has experienced numerous losses in current form but the coach attempted to give reassurance

"I feel the squad has been progressing and advancing, this demonstrated a measured showing," he commented

"The Welsh team are not a team who surrender easily accept defeat, they compete throughout. This represented an exceptionally precise display and us putting maximum commitment"

"Wales have an excellent manager and will come back. We know it can change as demonstrated in 1998 we overcame them (96-13) then were defeated soon after"

The national team conclude the season as the number one side following victories in successive tournament wins

The Springboks have displayed their extensive squad strength and prowess however the manager recalled their former position

"We were in that situation and supporters expressing anger, yet Welsh supporters remain," he noted

"The backing exists with the squad showing spirit. Achieve early successes, get on a roll and things will change

"I recognize that situations transformed from 2016, when we were nowhere, achieving global success. Potential remains unlimited"

Connected themes

• Rugby in Wales
• The governing body
• International rugby