'It appeared unfavorable' - Springboks coach on Etzebeth dismissal

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Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus admitted "it didn't appear favorable" after legendary lock the towering player was dismissed due to eye contact in the match with Wales

The Springboks achieved a perfect autumn series by going on the rampage at the Welsh capital netting 11 tries in a comprehensive shutout

Nevertheless virtually the concluding moment of the international year was Etzebeth, who went over for the final score getting sent off through the decision of the presiding official

The 34-year-old was given a red card due to contact the eye area of opponent Alex Mann with his thumb in a 79th-minute scuffle

"It's difficult to say what I can say that avoids controversy. The visual was unfavorable making it a justified red card," commented the coach

"The manner it occurred and the reasons behind it, if he was instigated, it's unclear, however it's certainly not how we had hoped to end the game. I don't think that the optics were great"

The experienced player, who expanded his national team milestone by earning his 141st appearance in Cardiff, seems destined to receive an extended suspension

His Sharks team begin their Champions Cup campaign against the French side this coming weekend followed by a home fixture versus the English club plus local rivalries through the Christmas season

The reigning titleholders dominated the Welsh throughout the contest that became unbalanced from the off

The new coach's tenure has commenced with three heavy autumn defeats versus leading rugby powers plus a narrow victory against Japan

Wales have lost 21 of their last 23 Test matches however the manager sought to give reassurance

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

"Wales are not guys that just roll over accept defeat, they battle continuously. This was one of the really clinical performances and us putting our soul out on the game"

"The Welsh possess an excellent manager and will rebound. We recognize situations can transform like the 1998 example we beat them (96-13) then were defeated in 1999"

South Africa conclude the season as the number one side following victories in back-to-back Rugby Championship titles

The world champions have displayed their impressive resources and prowess but the coach referenced when they were ranked sixth

"We were in that situation with fans destroying merchandise, but the Welsh people are here," he said

"The encouragement continues and the team demonstrates determination. Achieve early successes, build momentum and things will change

"I know that situations transformed from our previous struggles, culminating in the 2019 championship. Anything is possible"

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• Wales national team
• National organization
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