'It appeared unfavorable' - Springboks coach on Etzebeth dismissal

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Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus admitted "it didn't appear favorable" following legendary lock the towering player was dismissed for making contact with an opponent's eye in the match with Wales

The Springboks completed a flawless end-of-year tour with a dominant performance in Cardiff netting eleven touchdowns in a 73-nil victory

Nevertheless virtually the concluding moment of the Test season featured the veteran player, who scored the last try receiving a red card from the official Luc Ramos

The 34-year-old was given a dismissal due to contact with the left eye of the Welsh player the back-row forward with his thumb during late-game altercation

"I don't know what I can say without causing debate. It didn't look good therefore it became a proper sending-off," said Erasmus

"How it happened and the reasons behind it, and if he was provoked, I cannot confirm, but it's definitely not the manner we preferred to end the game. I believe that the optics were great"

The second-row forward, who increased his cap achievement when winning a 141st cap in Wales, seems destined to receive a prolonged period out

His Sharks team start their continental tournament in France early December followed by a home fixture facing the London side including domestic clashes over the festive period

The world champions overwhelmed their opponents during the match which proved lopsided from the start

Steve Tandy's reign has commenced with three heavy autumn defeats to South Africa, New Zealand and Argentina and a last-gasp win against Japan

The national side has experienced numerous losses in current form but the coach attempted to offer some comfort

"I believe our team has been developing and improving, this demonstrated a controlled performance," he said

"The Welsh team are not players that just roll over accept defeat, they battle continuously. This represented one of the really clinical performances and us putting our soul out on the game"

"The team includes a great coach and will come back. We know it can change as demonstrated in 1998 we overcame them (comprehensively) then were defeated in 1999"

The Springboks end the calendar as the number one side after winning consecutive southern hemisphere crowns

The Springboks have displayed their extensive squad strength and prowess yet Erasmus pointed to when they were ranked sixth

"We experienced similar circumstances with fans destroying merchandise, however the fans continue attending," he said

"The backing exists and the players have the fight. Achieve early successes, get on a roll and things will change

"I recognize that things changed from 2016, when we were nowhere, achieving global success. Potential remains unlimited"

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• Welsh Rugby
• National organization
• Rugby Union