'It appeared unfavorable' - Erasmus reacts to Eben Etzebeth sending off

• Posted
  Recently published
• 63 Comments

Springboks manager the national team coach admitted "the visual impression was poor" following legendary lock the towering player was sent off due to eye contact in the match with Wales

South Africa's national team secured a flawless end-of-year tour by going on the rampage in Cardiff netting eleven touchdowns during a 73-nil victory

Yet virtually the concluding moment of the international year featured the veteran player, who went over the concluding points being dismissed by referee Luc Ramos

The 34-year-old received a sending-off due to contact with the left eye of opponent the back-row forward using his thumb in a match-ending incident

"I'm uncertain how to respond that avoids controversy. The appearance was poor and it was a justified red card," stated the manager

"The way it unfolded and the reasons behind it, whether there was provocation, it's unclear, yet it's absolutely not the manner we had hoped to finish the contest. I don't think the visual impression was positive"

The second-row forward, who extended his Springboks record through receiving his 141st appearance in Wales, looks certain to receive an extended suspension

His domestic franchise commence their continental tournament in France on Sunday, 7 December before a home game against Saracens plus local rivalries during the holidays

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

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 national side has experienced 21 of their last 23 Test matches yet Erasmus tried to provide encouragement

"I believe the squad has been progressing and improving, this represented a measured showing," he stated

"The Welsh are not a team that give up yield to pressure, they battle continuously. This demonstrated a remarkably efficient showing featuring our squad exhibiting maximum commitment"

"The Welsh possess an excellent manager and shall return. We understand situations can transform as demonstrated in 1998 we overcame them (96-13) then were defeated soon after"

The national team end the calendar top of world rugby after winning consecutive southern hemisphere crowns

The world champions have demonstrated their extensive squad strength and prowess but the coach referenced when they were ranked sixth

"We were in that situation and people were burning jerseys, however the fans continue attending," he commented

"The backing exists with the squad showing spirit. Secure initial victories, create a streak and things will change

"I'm aware that fortunes reversed starting from a low base in 2016, achieving global success. All outcomes are achievable"

Associated subjects

• Wales national team
• National organization
• International rugby