'It appeared unfavorable' - Springboks coach reacts to Etzebeth sending off

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South Africa leader Rassie Erasmus admitted "the visual impression was poor" after experienced second-row the towering player received a red card due to eye contact against Wales

The Springboks secured a flawless end-of-year tour by going on the rampage during the match to score 11 tries resulting in a comprehensive shutout

Yet almost the final act of the international year featured the veteran player, who scored for the final score getting sent off through the decision of Luc Ramos

The experienced player was shown a red card for touching with the left eye of Wales flanker the back-row forward using his thumb in a 79th-minute scuffle

"I'm uncertain how to respond that avoids controversy. It didn't look good making it a justified red card," commented the coach

"How it happened and why it happened, if he was instigated, I am not sure, yet it's absolutely not the way that we would have liked to finish the contest. In my view the visual impression was positive"

The second-row forward, who extended his cap achievement through receiving his 141st appearance during the match, seems destined to receive a lengthy ban

His Sharks team commence their continental tournament in France this coming weekend prior to a domestic match against Saracens including domestic clashes during the holidays

The world champions overpowered Wales throughout the contest that became unbalanced from the beginning

The new coach's tenure has commenced with multiple significant losses to South Africa, New Zealand and Argentina and a last-gasp win versus the Asian side

The Welsh team has suffered 21 of their last 23 Test matches but the coach attempted to provide encouragement

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

"The Welsh are not players who surrender easily accept defeat, they battle continuously. This demonstrated one of the really clinical performances featuring our squad exhibiting total dedication"

"Wales have a great coach and shall return. We know situations can transform like the 1998 example we beat them (by a huge margin) and then lost soon after"

South Africa end the calendar as the number one side following victories in consecutive southern hemisphere crowns

The world champions have showcased their formidable depth and prowess yet Erasmus pointed to their previous lower ranking

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

"The encouragement continues and the players have the fight. Get one or two wins, get on a roll and circumstances will improve

"I'm aware that situations transformed from 2016, when we were nowhere, to 2019 when we won the World Cup. All outcomes are achievable"

Associated subjects

• Welsh Rugby
• National organization
• International rugby