'The optics were poor' - Erasmus on Eben Etzebeth red card

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South Africa head coach the national team coach admitted "it didn't appear favorable" after veteran forward Eben Etzebeth was dismissed for making contact with an opponent's eye against Wales

The Springboks completed a perfect autumn series through overwhelming play at the Welsh capital to score eleven touchdowns resulting in a comprehensive shutout

However virtually the concluding moment of the international year was Etzebeth, who scored the concluding points receiving a red card from the official the presiding official

The experienced player received a red card for touching the eye area of opponent the back-row forward with his thumb in a match-ending incident

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

"The manner it occurred and what prompted it, and if he was provoked, I am not sure, however it's certainly not the way we had hoped to finish the contest. I don't think it appeared favorable"

The experienced player, who increased his cap achievement through receiving cap number 141 in Cardiff, looks certain to receive an extended suspension

His club side start their Champions Cup campaign against the French side this coming weekend followed by a home fixture versus the English club plus local rivalries over the festive period

The world champions overwhelmed their opponents during the match which proved lopsided from the beginning

The new coach's tenure has started with multiple significant losses versus leading rugby powers alongside a late triumph against Japan

The national side has experienced 21 of their last 23 Test matches but the coach attempted to give reassurance

"In my opinion the squad has been progressing and improving, this represented a measured showing," he stated

"Wales are not guys that give up and take the shots, they battle continuously. This demonstrated one of the really clinical performances with our team displaying maximum commitment"

"Wales have a quality leader and will come back. We know situations can transform as demonstrated in 1998 we beat them (96-13) subsequently fell the following year"

The Springboks conclude the season top of world rugby after winning successive tournament wins

South Africa's team have demonstrated their formidable depth and capability however the manager recalled their previous lower ranking

"We were in that situation with fans destroying merchandise, but the Welsh people are here," he commented

"The encouragement continues and the players have the fight. Get one or two wins, get on a roll and circumstances will improve

"I know that fortunes reversed from 2016, when we were nowhere, to 2019 when we won the World Cup. All outcomes are achievable"

Associated subjects

• Wales national team
• The governing body
• Rugby Union