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

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South Africa manager the national team coach conceded "the visual impression was poor" after legendary lock the towering player was dismissed for an eye gouge in the match with Wales

South Africa's national team achieved a perfect autumn series with a dominant performance in Cardiff registering multiple scores resulting in a 73-0 win

However virtually the concluding moment of the international year featured the veteran player, who scored the concluding points getting sent off by referee Luc Ramos

The 34-year-old was shown a sending-off for touching with the left eye of Wales flanker Alex Mann with his thumb during late-game altercation

"It's difficult to say what to comment that won't be controversial. It didn't look good and it was a justified red card," said Erasmus

"The manner it occurred and what prompted it, if he was instigated, it's unclear, yet it's absolutely not how we had hoped to end the game. I don't think it appeared favorable"

The second-row forward, who expanded his cap achievement through receiving cap number 141 in Wales, appears likely to receive a prolonged period out

His club side begin their continental tournament against the French side this coming weekend prior to a domestic match against Saracens plus local rivalries through the Christmas season

The world champions overwhelmed their opponents in a fixture which proved lopsided from the start

Steve Tandy's reign has begun following substantial reverses against top-tier nations alongside a late triumph facing the Brave Blossoms

The national side has experienced 21 of their last 23 Test matches but the coach attempted to give reassurance

"I feel the squad has been progressing and building up, this demonstrated a disciplined display," he said

"The Welsh team are not a team who surrender easily yield to pressure, they compete throughout. This demonstrated an exceptionally precise display with our team displaying our soul out on the game"

"The Welsh possess a quality leader and shall return. We recognize fortunes can reverse and in 1998 we overcame them (comprehensively) then were defeated in 1999"

South Africa finish the year as the number one side having secured successive tournament wins

The Springboks have demonstrated their formidable depth and prowess yet Erasmus pointed to their previous lower ranking

"Our team faced comparable conditions with fans destroying merchandise, however the fans continue attending," he noted

"The backing exists and the team demonstrates determination. Achieve early successes, get on a roll and results will transform

"I recognize 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