'It appeared unfavorable' - Springboks coach reacts to Etzebeth red card

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South Africa leader the national team coach admitted "the optics weren't great" following legendary lock the towering player was dismissed due to eye contact versus the Welsh team

South Africa's national team secured a perfect autumn series through overwhelming play during the match netting multiple scores resulting in a 73-nil victory

Nevertheless nearly the last action of the Test season featured the veteran player, who went over for the final score receiving a red card by referee Luc Ramos

The experienced player was shown a sending-off for making contact the facial region of the Welsh player the back-row forward via digital contact during late-game altercation

"I don't know how to respond that avoids controversy. The visual was unfavorable therefore it became a justified red card," said Erasmus

"How it happened and why it happened, if he was instigated, I am not sure, but it's definitely not how we preferred to finish the contest. I don't think the visual impression was positive"

The second-row forward, who increased his Springboks record when winning a 141st cap during the match, seems destined to be given a prolonged period out

His domestic franchise begin their Champions Cup campaign against the French side on Sunday, 7 December before a home game facing the London side plus local rivalries over the festive period

The top-ranked team dominated the Welsh throughout the contest that was one-sided from the off

The new coach's tenure has started with multiple significant losses versus leading rugby powers plus a narrow victory against Japan

The Welsh team has suffered 21 of their last 23 Test matches yet Erasmus tried to provide encouragement

"I feel our team has been developing and advancing, this was a controlled performance," he commented

"The Welsh are not a team who surrender easily and take the shots, they fight until the end. This demonstrated an exceptionally precise display with our team displaying total dedication"

"Wales have a quality leader and shall return. We understand fortunes can reverse like the 1998 example we defeated them (by a huge margin) then were defeated the following year"

The Springboks end the calendar as the number one side after winning consecutive southern hemisphere crowns

The Springboks have displayed their impressive resources and prowess however the manager recalled their former position

"Our team faced comparable conditions and supporters expressing anger, but the Welsh people are here," he said

"There is the support and the players have the fight. Get one or two wins, get on a roll and results will transform

"I'm aware that fortunes reversed from 2016, when we were nowhere, culminating in the 2019 championship. Anything is possible"

Associated subjects

• Rugby in Wales
• Wales Rugby Union
• International rugby