Etzebeth red card v Wales ‘justified’ – South Africa boss Erasmus

The world champions overpowered Wales in a fixture that was one-sided from the off.

Steve Tandy’s reign has started with three heavy autumn defeats to South Africa, New Zealand and Argentina and a last-gasp win against Japan.

Wales have lost 21 of their last 23 Test matches yet Erasmus tried to offer some comfort.

“I feel that we have been building and building up, this was a controlled performance,” he said.

“The Welsh are not guys that just roll over and take the shots, they fight until the end. This was one of the really clinical performances and us putting our soul out on the game.

“Wales have a great coach and will come back. We know it can change and in 1998 we beat them (96-13) and then lost in 1999.”

South Africa finish the year as number one side in the world after winning back-to-back Rugby Championship titles.

The Springboks have showcased their formidable depth and power yet Erasmus pointed to when they were ranked sixth.

“We were in that situation and people were burning jerseys, but the Welsh people are here,” said.

“There is the support and the players have the fight. Get one or two wins, get on a roll and things will change.

“I know that things changed from 2016, when we were nowhere, to 2019 when we won the World Cup. Anything is possible.”