'It didn't look good' - Springboks coach discusses Etzebeth dismissal

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Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus conceded "the visual impression was poor" following legendary lock the towering player was sent off for an eye gouge versus the Welsh team

The Springboks completed a perfect autumn series with a dominant performance at the Welsh capital to score eleven touchdowns during a comprehensive shutout

Nevertheless virtually the concluding moment of the Test season was Etzebeth, who went over for the final score being dismissed from the official Luc Ramos

The veteran forward was given a dismissal due to contact with the left eye of the Welsh player the back-row forward with his thumb in a match-ending incident

"I'm uncertain how to respond that won't be controversial. The visual was unfavorable therefore it became a proper sending-off," stated the manager

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

The second-row forward, who increased his national team milestone by earning cap number 141 in Cardiff, looks certain to be given a lengthy ban

His club side begin their continental tournament at Toulouse on Sunday, 7 December followed by a home fixture facing the London side and South African derbies over the festive period

The world champions overwhelmed their opponents throughout the contest which proved lopsided from the start

The new coach's tenure has begun following substantial reverses against top-tier nations alongside a late triumph facing the Brave Blossoms

Wales have lost numerous losses in current form yet Erasmus tried to give reassurance

"I feel that we have been building and advancing, this represented a disciplined display," he said

"The Welsh team are not players that just roll over and take the shots, they compete throughout. This was an exceptionally precise display with our team displaying maximum commitment"

"The Welsh possess a quality leader and will come back. We understand fortunes can reverse and in 1998 we defeated them (comprehensively) and then lost in 1999"

South Africa conclude the season top of world rugby following victories in successive tournament wins

The Springboks have demonstrated their impressive resources and prowess yet Erasmus pointed to when they were ranked sixth

"Our team faced comparable conditions and people were burning jerseys, however the fans continue attending," he noted

"The backing exists and the team demonstrates determination. Secure initial victories, get on a roll and results will transform

"I'm aware that fortunes reversed from our previous struggles, to 2019 when we won the World Cup. Potential remains unlimited"

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