'It appeared unfavorable' - Erasmus reacts to Etzebeth dismissal

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

South Africa's national team achieved a flawless end-of-year tour through overwhelming play during the match netting eleven touchdowns during a comprehensive shutout

Yet nearly the last action of the Test season involved the lock forward, who went over for the final score getting sent off by referee Luc Ramos

The 34-year-old was shown a sending-off due to contact with the left eye of Wales flanker Alex Mann via digital contact in a match-ending incident

"It's difficult to say how to respond without causing debate. The visual was unfavorable and it was a proper sending-off," commented the coach

"The manner it occurred and what prompted it, whether there was provocation, I am not sure, but it's definitely not how that we would have liked to conclude the match. I don't think that the optics were great"

The experienced player, who expanded his cap achievement when winning a 141st cap during the match, appears likely to be given an extended suspension

His domestic franchise begin their European competition against the French side on Sunday, 7 December prior to a domestic match facing the London side and South African derbies through the Christmas season

The world champions dominated the Welsh throughout the contest which proved lopsided from the start

Steve Tandy's reign has begun with multiple significant losses to South Africa, New Zealand and Argentina plus a narrow victory versus the Asian side

Wales have lost multiple defeats in recent games however the manager sought to give reassurance

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

"Wales are not a team that just roll over yield to pressure, they battle continuously. This represented a remarkably efficient showing and us putting maximum commitment"

"The team includes an excellent manager and will come back. We understand it can change like the 1998 example we overcame them (comprehensively) subsequently fell soon after"

The national team conclude the season ranked first globally after winning successive tournament wins

The world champions have demonstrated their impressive resources and power however the manager recalled when they were ranked sixth

"Our team faced comparable conditions and people were burning jerseys, yet Welsh supporters remain," he said

"There is the support with the squad showing spirit. Get one or two wins, build momentum and results will transform

"I recognize that things changed starting from a low base in 2016, achieving global success. Anything is possible"

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• Wales national team
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