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

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South Africa leader Rassie Erasmus admitted "it didn't appear favorable" after experienced second-row Eben Etzebeth received a red card for an eye gouge against Wales

The Springboks completed an autumn clean sweep by going on the rampage at the Welsh capital netting multiple scores resulting in a 73-0 win

However almost the final act of the annual campaign involved the lock forward, who scored the concluding points being dismissed from the official the match referee

The veteran forward was given a dismissal due to contact the facial region of opponent the back-row forward via digital contact in a 79th-minute scuffle

"It's difficult to say how to respond that won't be controversial. The appearance was poor and it was a legitimate dismissal," said Erasmus

"The manner it occurred and what prompted it, if he was instigated, I am not sure, yet it's absolutely not the way that we would have liked to conclude the match. In my view it appeared favorable"

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

His club side commence their Champions Cup campaign at Toulouse early December prior to a domestic match facing the London side and South African derbies over the festive period

The reigning titleholders overwhelmed their opponents during the match which proved lopsided from the beginning

The new coach's tenure has commenced following substantial reverses against top-tier nations and a last-gasp win facing the Brave Blossoms

The Welsh team has suffered 21 of their last 23 Test matches however the manager sought to provide encouragement

"I believe our team has been developing and advancing, this demonstrated a measured showing," he said

"The Welsh are not players that just roll over yield to pressure, they battle continuously. This was a remarkably efficient showing and us putting maximum commitment"

"Wales have an excellent manager and shall return. We understand situations can transform as demonstrated in 1998 we overcame them (by a huge margin) then were defeated the following year"

South Africa finish the year as the number one side after winning successive tournament wins

South Africa's team have demonstrated their impressive resources and capability yet Erasmus pointed to their former position

"Our team faced comparable conditions with fans destroying merchandise, yet Welsh supporters remain," he said

"There is the support and the players have the fight. Get one or two wins, get on a roll and circumstances will improve

"I recognize that situations transformed starting from a low base in 2016, to 2019 when we won the World Cup. All outcomes are achievable"

Associated subjects

• Welsh Rugby
• Wales Rugby Union
• Rugby Union