'It didn't look good' - Erasmus reacts to Etzebeth dismissal

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Springboks manager the national team coach conceded "the visual impression was poor" following experienced second-row Eben Etzebeth received a red card for making contact with an opponent's eye in the match with Wales

South Africa's national team secured an autumn clean sweep through overwhelming play during the match registering 11 tries during a 73-nil victory

Yet nearly the last action of the Test season was Etzebeth, who crossed for the final score being dismissed from the official the match referee

The experienced player was given a sending-off for touching with the left eye of opponent Alex Mann using his thumb during late-game altercation

"I'm uncertain what to comment that avoids controversy. The visual was unfavorable therefore it became a proper sending-off," commented the coach

"The way it unfolded and the reasons behind it, whether there was provocation, I am not sure, however it's certainly not the manner we had hoped to finish the contest. I believe that the optics were great"

Etzebeth, who expanded his Springboks record when winning cap number 141 during the match, seems destined to face a lengthy ban

His Sharks team commence their continental tournament in France this coming weekend prior to a domestic match against Saracens and South African derbies during the holidays

The reigning titleholders dominated the Welsh throughout the contest which proved lopsided from the beginning

Steve Tandy's reign has started with three heavy autumn defeats against top-tier nations and a last-gasp win versus the Asian side

The national side has experienced 21 of their last 23 Test matches however the manager sought to give reassurance

"I believe our team has been developing and improving, this represented a measured showing," he commented

"Wales are not players that give up yield to pressure, they battle continuously. This demonstrated a remarkably efficient showing with our team displaying maximum commitment"

"The team includes a quality leader and shall return. We understand fortunes can reverse like the 1998 example we overcame them (by a huge margin) then were defeated soon after"

South Africa finish the year as the number one side after winning successive tournament wins

South Africa's team have demonstrated their extensive squad strength and prowess yet Erasmus pointed to their former position

"Our team faced comparable conditions with fans destroying merchandise, yet Welsh supporters remain," he noted

"The encouragement continues and the team demonstrates determination. Secure initial victories, build momentum and circumstances will improve

"I know that things changed starting from a low base in 2016, culminating in the 2019 championship. Anything is possible"

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