'It didn't look good' - Erasmus on Etzebeth red card

• Released
  44 minutes ago
• Numerous reactions

Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus conceded "it didn't appear favorable" after experienced second-row the towering player was sent off for an eye gouge versus the Welsh team

South Africa's national team achieved a flawless end-of-year tour through overwhelming play at the Welsh capital to score multiple scores resulting in a comprehensive shutout

Yet virtually the concluding moment of the Test season featured the veteran player, who crossed for the final score receiving a red card through the decision of the match referee

The veteran forward received a sending-off for touching with the left eye of Wales flanker the back-row forward using his thumb in a 79th-minute scuffle

"I don't know how to respond that won't be controversial. It didn't look good therefore it became a justified red card," said Erasmus

"How it happened and what prompted it, if he was instigated, it's unclear, however it's certainly not the manner we had hoped to end the game. I believe the visual impression was positive"

Etzebeth, who extended his national team milestone by earning his 141st appearance in Cardiff, appears likely to face a prolonged period out

His club side start their continental tournament against the French side on Sunday, 7 December followed by a home fixture facing the London side including domestic clashes through the Christmas season

The world champions overpowered Wales throughout the contest that was one-sided from the beginning

The new coach's tenure has commenced with multiple significant losses to South Africa, New Zealand and Argentina alongside a late triumph facing the Brave Blossoms

The national side has experienced numerous losses in current form but the coach attempted to give reassurance

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

"Wales are not players that give up and take the shots, they compete throughout. This was one of the really clinical performances featuring our squad exhibiting our soul out on the game"

"The team includes an excellent manager and will rebound. We understand it can change and in 1998 we overcame them (by a huge margin) and then lost soon after"

The national team end the calendar as the number one side following victories in consecutive southern hemisphere crowns

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

"Our team faced comparable conditions and people were burning jerseys, however the fans continue attending," he said

"The backing exists and the players have the fight. Secure initial victories, build momentum and things will change

"I know that situations transformed from our previous struggles, achieving global success. Potential remains unlimited"

Related topics

• Rugby in Wales
• The governing body
• The sport