'It didn't look good' - Erasmus reacts to Eben Etzebeth sending off

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South Africa leader Rassie Erasmus acknowledged "it didn't appear favorable" following legendary lock Eben Etzebeth was dismissed for making contact with an opponent's eye in the match with Wales

The Springboks completed a flawless end-of-year tour with a dominant performance at the Welsh capital netting multiple scores during a 73-nil victory

Nevertheless almost the final act of the Test season featured the veteran player, who crossed the concluding points receiving a red card from the official Luc Ramos

The 34-year-old was given a sending-off for making contact with the left eye of the Welsh player the back-row forward with his thumb in a 79th-minute scuffle

"It's difficult to say how to respond that won't be controversial. The appearance was poor therefore it became a justified red card," commented the coach

"The manner it occurred and why it happened, whether there was provocation, I cannot confirm, but it's definitely not how that we would have liked to finish the contest. In my view the visual impression was positive"

Etzebeth, who extended his cap achievement by earning his 141st appearance during the match, looks certain to receive an extended suspension

His Sharks team start their European competition against the French side early December prior to a domestic match versus the English club plus local rivalries during the holidays

The reigning titleholders overpowered Wales throughout the contest that became unbalanced from the beginning

The current management's period has started following substantial reverses versus leading rugby powers and a last-gasp win against Japan

The national side has experienced 21 of their last 23 Test matches but the coach attempted to offer some comfort

"I feel our team has been developing and building up, this demonstrated a measured showing," he stated

"Wales are not a team who surrender easily and take the shots, they battle continuously. This represented a remarkably efficient showing with our team displaying maximum commitment"

"The team includes a great coach and will rebound. We know situations can transform as demonstrated in 1998 we beat them (comprehensively) subsequently fell soon after"

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

The world champions have demonstrated their formidable depth and power but the coach referenced their previous lower ranking

"We were in that situation and supporters expressing anger, however the fans continue attending," he commented

"There is the support with the squad showing spirit. Achieve early successes, create a streak and circumstances will improve

"I'm aware that fortunes reversed starting from a low base in 2016, to 2019 when we won the World Cup. Potential remains unlimited"

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• Welsh Rugby
• Wales Rugby Union
• International rugby