'It didn't look good' - Springboks coach reacts to Eben Etzebeth dismissal

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Springboks manager the national team coach admitted "it didn't appear favorable" following legendary lock the towering player received a red card for an eye gouge in the match with Wales

The Springboks completed a perfect autumn series with a dominant performance in Cardiff registering 11 tries in a 73-0 win

Nevertheless almost the final act of the international year involved the lock forward, who crossed the last try receiving a red card by referee the presiding official

The veteran forward was shown a red card for making contact with the left eye of opponent Alex Mann using his thumb during late-game altercation

"I don't know what to comment that won't be controversial. It didn't look good making it a justified red card," said Erasmus

"The manner it occurred and what prompted it, and if he was provoked, I am not sure, yet it's absolutely not the manner we had hoped to end the game. I believe that the optics were great"

The second-row forward, who increased his Springboks record by earning his 141st appearance in Cardiff, seems destined to face a lengthy ban

His domestic franchise begin their continental tournament in France on Sunday, 7 December prior to a domestic match facing the London side and South African derbies during the holidays

The top-ranked team overwhelmed their opponents throughout the contest that was one-sided from the start

Steve Tandy's reign has begun following substantial reverses against top-tier nations and a last-gasp win facing the Brave Blossoms

Wales have lost numerous losses in current form however the manager sought to offer some comfort

"In my opinion the squad has been progressing and building up, this represented a measured showing," he commented

"The Welsh team are not guys who surrender easily yield to pressure, they fight until the end. This was an exceptionally precise display featuring our squad exhibiting our soul out on the game"

"The Welsh possess a quality leader and will come back. We recognize it can change as demonstrated in 1998 we overcame them (by a huge margin) subsequently fell in 1999"

The Springboks end the calendar ranked first globally following victories in back-to-back Rugby Championship titles

The world champions have displayed their extensive squad strength and prowess but the coach referenced their former position

"Our team faced comparable conditions and people were burning jerseys, yet Welsh supporters remain," he noted

"There is the support with the squad showing spirit. Secure initial victories, get on a roll and circumstances will improve

"I recognize that things changed from our previous struggles, culminating in the 2019 championship. Potential remains unlimited"

Related topics

• Rugby in Wales
• National organization
• International rugby