'The optics were poor' - Erasmus discusses Eben Etzebeth dismissal

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Springboks manager Rassie Erasmus acknowledged "the optics weren't great" following experienced second-row the towering player was dismissed for making contact with an opponent's eye versus the Welsh team

The Springboks achieved an autumn clean sweep through overwhelming play at the Welsh capital registering multiple scores during a 73-0 win

Yet virtually the concluding moment of the international year featured the veteran player, who scored the last try getting sent off through the decision of the presiding official

The 34-year-old was given a sending-off due to contact the facial region of the Welsh player the back-row forward using his thumb during late-game altercation

"It's difficult to say what I can say without causing debate. It didn't look good making it a justified red card," commented the coach

"How it happened and the reasons behind it, and if he was provoked, I am not sure, but it's definitely not the way that we would have liked to finish the contest. In my view the visual impression was positive"

Etzebeth, who increased his national team milestone when winning cap number 141 in Cardiff, appears likely to be given a lengthy ban

His domestic franchise begin their European competition against the French side early December followed by a home fixture facing the London side plus local rivalries over the festive period

The top-ranked team dominated the Welsh during the match that became unbalanced from the beginning

The current management's period has started with multiple significant losses to South Africa, New Zealand and Argentina plus a narrow victory facing the Brave Blossoms

Wales have lost numerous losses in current form but the coach attempted to provide encouragement

"I believe that we have been building and building up, this was a disciplined display," he said

"Wales are not a team who surrender easily and take the shots, they fight until the end. This was a remarkably efficient showing with our team displaying our soul out on the game"

"The Welsh possess a great coach and will rebound. We recognize fortunes can reverse as demonstrated in 1998 we overcame them (96-13) subsequently fell the following year"

The national team end the calendar as the number one side following victories in successive tournament wins

South Africa's team have showcased their impressive resources and power however the manager recalled their previous lower ranking

"Our team faced comparable conditions and supporters expressing anger, but the Welsh people are here," he said

"There is the support and the team demonstrates determination. Get one or two wins, build momentum and things will change

"I know that fortunes reversed starting from a low base in 2016, to 2019 when we won the World Cup. All outcomes are achievable"

Associated subjects

• Wales national team
• Wales Rugby Union
• International rugby