'It didn't look good' - Erasmus on Eben Etzebeth dismissal

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Springboks head coach the national team coach acknowledged "the optics weren't great" after veteran forward Eben Etzebeth received a red card due to eye contact versus the Welsh team

South Africa's national team secured an autumn clean sweep through overwhelming play in Cardiff registering eleven touchdowns during a 73-0 win

Yet nearly the last action of the international year involved the lock forward, who went over for the final score receiving a red card from the official the match referee

The experienced player was given a dismissal for making contact the facial region of opponent Alex Mann using his thumb in a 79th-minute scuffle

"I'm uncertain how to respond that avoids controversy. The visual was unfavorable making it a legitimate dismissal," said Erasmus

"The manner it occurred and why it happened, whether there was provocation, it's unclear, however it's certainly not the manner that we would have liked to finish the contest. I believe it appeared favorable"

The second-row forward, who increased his national team milestone when winning his 141st appearance during the match, looks certain to receive a lengthy ban

His Sharks team begin their European competition at Toulouse on Sunday, 7 December prior to a domestic match versus the English club plus local rivalries over the festive period

The world champions dominated the Welsh throughout the contest that became unbalanced from the off

Steve Tandy's reign has started following substantial reverses against top-tier nations and a last-gasp win versus the Asian side

The Welsh team has suffered numerous losses in current form but the coach attempted to provide encouragement

"I feel our team has been developing and advancing, this was a measured showing," he stated

"Wales are not guys that give up yield to pressure, they fight until the end. This represented an exceptionally precise display with our team displaying total dedication"

"Wales have an excellent manager and shall return. We recognize fortunes can reverse like the 1998 example we beat them (by a huge margin) then were defeated the following year"

The Springboks end the calendar top of world rugby following victories in successive tournament wins

The world champions have showcased their formidable depth and capability yet Erasmus pointed to when they were ranked sixth

"Our team faced comparable conditions with fans destroying merchandise, but the Welsh people are here," he said

"The backing exists with the squad showing spirit. Get one or two wins, build momentum and circumstances will improve

"I recognize that things changed from our previous struggles, achieving global success. All outcomes are achievable"

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• Rugby in Wales
• National organization
• International rugby