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

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Springboks head coach the national team coach acknowledged "the visual impression was poor" in the wake of veteran forward the towering player was dismissed for an eye gouge versus the Welsh team

The Springboks secured an autumn clean sweep by going on the rampage at the Welsh capital netting 11 tries in a 73-0 win

Yet nearly the last action of the Test season involved the lock forward, who scored for the final score being dismissed by referee the presiding official

The 34-year-old was given a sending-off due to contact the eye area of Wales flanker the back-row forward with his thumb in a match-ending incident

"I'm uncertain what to comment without causing debate. It didn't look good therefore it became a justified red card," commented the coach

"The manner it occurred and what prompted it, if he was instigated, I cannot confirm, yet it's absolutely not the way we had hoped to finish the contest. I believe that the optics were great"

Etzebeth, who extended his national team milestone through receiving his 141st appearance in Wales, appears likely to be given a lengthy ban

His Sharks team commence their European competition in France on Sunday, 7 December prior to a domestic match facing the London side and South African derbies over the festive period

The top-ranked team dominated the Welsh in a fixture that was one-sided from the beginning

The current management's period has started following substantial reverses against top-tier nations plus a narrow victory facing the Brave Blossoms

The Welsh team has suffered multiple defeats in recent games yet Erasmus tried to provide encouragement

"I believe the squad has been progressing and improving, this represented a disciplined display," he commented

"The Welsh team are not guys that give up yield to pressure, they battle continuously. This was one of the really clinical performances featuring our squad exhibiting total dedication"

"Wales have a quality leader and will come back. We understand fortunes can reverse and in 1998 we beat them (by a huge margin) then were defeated the following year"

South Africa end the calendar top of world rugby following victories in successive tournament wins

The Springboks have showcased their extensive squad strength and power however the manager recalled when they were ranked sixth

"We experienced similar circumstances and people were burning jerseys, however the fans continue attending," he commented

"The encouragement continues with the squad showing spirit. Secure initial victories, get on a roll and results will transform

"I'm aware that fortunes reversed from 2016, when we were nowhere, achieving global success. Anything is possible"

Associated subjects

• Welsh Rugby
• National organization
• Rugby Union