'It appeared unfavorable' - Erasmus on Eben Etzebeth dismissal

• Posted
  Less than an hour ago
• Numerous reactions

South Africa leader the national team coach acknowledged "the visual impression was poor" following legendary lock Eben Etzebeth was sent off for making contact with an opponent's eye versus the Welsh team

South Africa's national team achieved a perfect autumn series by going on the rampage in Cardiff registering multiple scores in a 73-nil victory

Yet nearly the last action of the Test season involved the lock forward, who scored the last try being dismissed from the official the match referee

The experienced player was given a red card for making contact the eye area of Wales flanker the back-row forward using his thumb in a 79th-minute scuffle

"It's difficult to say what I can say that avoids controversy. It didn't look good making it a legitimate dismissal," commented the coach

"The manner it occurred and why it happened, whether there was provocation, it's unclear, yet it's absolutely not the way we had hoped to conclude the match. In my view the visual impression was positive"

The second-row forward, who expanded his cap achievement through receiving his 141st appearance in Cardiff, appears likely to face a prolonged period out

His Sharks team commence their European competition at Toulouse early December followed by a home fixture against Saracens and South African derbies over the festive period

The top-ranked team overpowered Wales in a fixture which proved lopsided from the beginning

Steve Tandy's reign has commenced with multiple significant losses versus leading rugby powers plus a narrow victory against Japan

The national side has experienced numerous losses in current form yet Erasmus tried to provide encouragement

"I feel our team has been developing and advancing, this was a disciplined display," he commented

"The Welsh are not players that just roll over accept defeat, they fight until the end. This demonstrated a remarkably efficient showing and us putting total dedication"

"Wales have an excellent manager and shall return. We recognize situations can transform and in 1998 we overcame them (by a huge margin) subsequently fell in 1999"

The national team end the calendar top of world rugby following victories in back-to-back Rugby Championship titles

The world champions have displayed their extensive squad strength and capability but the coach referenced their previous lower ranking

"We experienced similar circumstances with fans destroying merchandise, however the fans continue attending," he said

"The encouragement continues with the squad showing spirit. Get one or two wins, get on a roll and results will transform

"I know that fortunes reversed starting from a low base in 2016, achieving global success. Anything is possible"

Associated subjects

• Rugby in Wales
• National organization
• International rugby