'It didn't look good' - Erasmus reacts to Eben Etzebeth sending off

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South Africa manager the national team coach admitted "the visual impression was poor" after experienced second-row Eben Etzebeth received a red card for making contact with an opponent's eye versus the Welsh team

South Africa's national team completed a flawless end-of-year tour through overwhelming play in Cardiff registering eleven touchdowns during a 73-0 win

Yet almost the final act of the annual campaign 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 the eye area of the Welsh player Alex Mann using his thumb during late-game altercation

"I'm uncertain how to respond that won't be controversial. It didn't look good making it a legitimate dismissal," stated the manager

"The way it unfolded and what prompted it, if he was instigated, I cannot confirm, however it's certainly not how that we would have liked to finish the contest. In my view the visual impression was positive"

The second-row forward, who increased his national team milestone through receiving his 141st appearance in Cardiff, appears likely to face an extended suspension

His club side begin their European competition in France this coming weekend followed by a home fixture facing the London side and South African derbies through the Christmas season

The world champions overwhelmed their opponents in a fixture that was one-sided from the beginning

The new coach's tenure has begun following substantial reverses to South Africa, New Zealand and Argentina plus a narrow victory versus the Asian side

The national side has experienced 21 of their last 23 Test matches yet Erasmus tried to give reassurance

"I feel the squad has been progressing and building up, this demonstrated a measured showing," he said

"The Welsh team are not a team that give up accept defeat, they fight until the end. This was one of the really clinical performances and us putting maximum commitment"

"The Welsh possess a great coach and will rebound. We know situations can transform as demonstrated in 1998 we defeated them (by a huge margin) and then lost soon after"

The Springboks finish the year ranked first globally after winning successive tournament wins

South Africa's team have demonstrated their impressive resources 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 and the players have the fight. Get one or two wins, build momentum and circumstances will improve

"I recognize that things changed from 2016, when we were nowhere, achieving global success. Potential remains unlimited"

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