'The optics were poor' - Springboks coach discusses Eben Etzebeth red card

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South Africa manager Rassie Erasmus admitted "the visual impression was poor" following veteran forward Eben Etzebeth was sent off due to eye contact against Wales

The Springboks completed an autumn clean sweep by going on the rampage in Cardiff registering 11 tries during a comprehensive shutout

However virtually the concluding moment of the international year featured the veteran player, who crossed the last try being dismissed by referee the match referee

The veteran forward was given a sending-off for making contact with the left eye of opponent the back-row forward via digital contact during late-game altercation

"I don't know what I can say that won't be controversial. It didn't look good making it a justified red card," stated the manager

"How it happened and the reasons behind it, whether there was provocation, it's unclear, however it's certainly not the way that we would have liked to finish the contest. In my view it appeared favorable"

The second-row forward, who expanded his Springboks record when winning cap number 141 in Wales, seems destined to face a lengthy ban

His domestic franchise start their European competition in France this coming weekend followed by a home fixture versus the English club plus local rivalries during the holidays

The world champions dominated the Welsh in a fixture that was one-sided from the beginning

The new coach's tenure has started with three heavy autumn defeats versus leading rugby powers and a last-gasp win against Japan

Wales have lost multiple defeats in recent games however the manager sought to offer some comfort

"In my opinion the squad has been progressing and improving, this demonstrated a controlled performance," he commented

"The Welsh are not guys that give up and take the shots, they compete throughout. This demonstrated one of the really clinical performances featuring our squad exhibiting total dedication"

"Wales have a great coach and will rebound. We understand it can change like the 1998 example we overcame them (by a huge margin) then were defeated in 1999"

South Africa finish the year ranked first globally after winning back-to-back Rugby Championship titles

The Springboks have displayed their extensive squad strength and prowess yet Erasmus pointed to when they were ranked sixth

"Our team faced comparable conditions with fans destroying merchandise, yet Welsh supporters remain," he noted

"The encouragement continues and the players have the fight. Achieve early successes, build momentum and things will change

"I recognize that things changed from 2016, when we were nowhere, achieving global success. Anything is possible"

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• Wales national team
• National organization
• Rugby Union