'It appeared unfavorable' - Springboks coach reacts to Etzebeth sending off

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South Africa head coach the national team coach conceded "it didn't appear favorable" after legendary lock the towering player 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 with a dominant performance during the match registering 11 tries resulting in a 73-nil victory

However almost the final act of the international year was Etzebeth, who scored for the final score getting sent off through the decision of the presiding official

The 34-year-old was given a red card for touching the facial region of the Welsh player the back-row forward using his thumb in a 79th-minute scuffle

"I don't know what I can say that won't be controversial. The appearance was poor and it was a legitimate dismissal," commented the coach

"The way it unfolded and the reasons behind it, if he was instigated, it's unclear, yet it's absolutely not the manner we had hoped to conclude the match. I believe that the optics were great"

The second-row forward, who increased his cap achievement by earning his 141st appearance in Cardiff, looks certain to be given a prolonged period out

His club side begin their continental tournament in France on Sunday, 7 December prior to a domestic match against Saracens including domestic clashes during the holidays

The reigning titleholders overpowered Wales throughout the contest that was one-sided from the beginning

Steve Tandy's reign has started with multiple significant losses against top-tier nations plus a narrow victory facing the Brave Blossoms

Wales have lost numerous losses in current form however the manager sought to offer some comfort

"I feel our team has been developing and building up, this demonstrated a measured showing," he commented

"The Welsh are not guys that give up accept defeat, they fight until the end. This demonstrated one of the really clinical performances with our team displaying total dedication"

"The Welsh possess a great coach and will rebound. We know it can change like the 1998 example we defeated them (96-13) subsequently fell in 1999"

The national team finish the year top of world rugby after winning consecutive southern hemisphere crowns

The Springboks have displayed their formidable depth and power yet Erasmus pointed to when they were ranked sixth

"We experienced similar circumstances with fans destroying merchandise, yet Welsh supporters remain," he noted

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

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

Related topics

• Wales national team
• The governing body
• Rugby Union