'It didn't look good' - Springboks coach on Etzebeth red card

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Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus conceded "the visual impression was poor" in the wake of experienced second-row Eben Etzebeth was dismissed for an eye gouge in the match with Wales

The Springboks secured an autumn clean sweep through overwhelming play at the Welsh capital to score eleven touchdowns resulting in a 73-0 win

Yet almost the final act of the international year was Etzebeth, who crossed the last try being dismissed by referee the match referee

The experienced player was given a dismissal for making contact the facial region of opponent Alex Mann with his thumb in a match-ending incident

"I'm uncertain how to respond without causing debate. It didn't look good therefore it became a justified red card," commented the coach

"The manner it occurred and the reasons behind it, and if he was provoked, I am not sure, yet it's absolutely not the way we had hoped to end the game. In my view it appeared favorable"

The second-row forward, who extended his national team milestone through receiving a 141st cap in Wales, looks certain to receive a lengthy ban

His domestic franchise begin their European competition against the French side this coming weekend followed by a home fixture against Saracens including domestic clashes over the festive period

The reigning titleholders dominated the Welsh during the match that became unbalanced from the off

The new coach's tenure has started 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 give reassurance

"In my opinion that we have been building and building up, this demonstrated a controlled performance," he stated

"The Welsh team are not guys that just roll over and take the shots, they compete throughout. This represented one of the really clinical performances featuring our squad exhibiting maximum commitment"

"Wales have a quality leader and shall return. We understand situations can transform as demonstrated in 1998 we overcame them (comprehensively) then were defeated in 1999"

South Africa conclude the season top of world rugby having secured successive tournament wins

The world champions have displayed their formidable depth and power however the manager recalled their previous lower ranking

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

"The encouragement continues and the players have the fight. Get one or two wins, build momentum and things will change

"I recognize that things changed starting from a low base in 2016, achieving global success. Potential remains unlimited"

Associated subjects

• Rugby in Wales
• Wales Rugby Union
• International rugby