'It appeared unfavorable' - Springboks coach on Etzebeth red card

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The veteran lock has won dual world championships with South Africa

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Springboks leader Rassie Erasmus acknowledged "the visual impression was poor" in the wake of legendary lock Eben Etzebeth was sent off for an eye gouge against Wales

South Africa's national team secured a flawless end-of-year tour by going on the rampage at the Welsh capital registering 11 tries resulting in a comprehensive shutout

However virtually the concluding moment of the Test season was Etzebeth, who crossed the concluding points getting sent off from the official the presiding official

The veteran forward was given a red card for touching with the left eye of the Welsh player Alex Mann via digital contact in a match-ending incident

"I don't know how to respond that won't be controversial. The appearance was poor and it was a proper sending-off," said Erasmus

"How it happened and the reasons behind it, whether there was provocation, I am not sure, but it's definitely not the manner we preferred to conclude the match. In my view the visual impression was positive"

The experienced player, who extended his cap achievement through receiving his 141st appearance during the match, seems destined to be given a lengthy ban

His club side start their continental tournament in France on Sunday, 7 December prior to a domestic match facing the London side plus local rivalries during the holidays

The champions' measured intensity

The top-ranked team overpowered Wales throughout the contest which proved lopsided from the off

Steve Tandy's reign has commenced following substantial reverses to South Africa, New Zealand and Argentina alongside a late triumph versus the Asian side

The national side has experienced numerous losses in current form but the coach attempted to provide encouragement

"I feel that we have been building and improving, this was a controlled performance," he commented

"Wales are not players that just roll over accept defeat, they fight until the end. This was a remarkably efficient showing with our team displaying maximum commitment"

"The team includes a great coach and shall return. We know situations can transform and in 1998 we beat them (comprehensively) and then lost in 1999"

The Springboks end the calendar top of world rugby after winning back-to-back Rugby Championship titles

The world champions have demonstrated their impressive resources and capability however the manager recalled their former position

"We were in that situation with fans destroying merchandise, however the fans continue attending," he said

"The backing exists and the team demonstrates determination. Achieve early successes, get on a roll and results will transform

"I know that situations transformed from 2016, when we were nowhere, to 2019 when we won the World Cup. Potential remains unlimited"

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Teresa Greene
Teresa Greene

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