'The optics were poor' - Erasmus reacts to Eben Etzebeth sending off

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Springboks leader the national team coach conceded "it didn't appear favorable" following veteran forward Eben Etzebeth was dismissed for making contact with an opponent's eye against Wales

South Africa's national team achieved a perfect autumn series with a dominant performance at the Welsh capital registering multiple scores during a 73-nil victory

Yet virtually the concluding moment of the international year involved the lock forward, who scored the concluding points receiving a red card through the decision of the presiding official

The experienced player received a dismissal for touching with the left eye of the Welsh player the back-row forward using his thumb in a match-ending incident

"I don't know what to comment that won't be controversial. The visual was unfavorable making it a proper sending-off," said Erasmus

"The way it unfolded and what prompted it, if he was instigated, I am not sure, yet it's absolutely not the manner we had hoped to end the game. In my view it appeared favorable"

The second-row forward, who expanded his cap achievement by earning a 141st cap in Cardiff, appears likely to receive an extended suspension

His club side begin their Champions Cup campaign at Toulouse on Sunday, 7 December prior to a domestic match against Saracens and South African derbies over the festive period

The reigning titleholders overpowered Wales throughout the contest that was one-sided from the start

The new coach's tenure has commenced with three heavy autumn defeats against top-tier nations and a last-gasp win against Japan

Wales have lost 21 of their last 23 Test matches yet Erasmus tried to give reassurance

"I feel that we have been building and building up, this represented a measured showing," he commented

"The Welsh team are not players that just roll over accept defeat, they compete throughout. This was an exceptionally precise display featuring our squad exhibiting total dedication"

"Wales have a quality leader and will rebound. We recognize situations can transform like the 1998 example we defeated them (96-13) subsequently fell the following year"

South Africa finish the year top of world rugby after winning successive tournament wins

South Africa's team have displayed their formidable depth and prowess but the coach referenced when they were ranked sixth

"We experienced similar circumstances with fans destroying merchandise, but the Welsh people are here," he noted

"There is the support and the players have the fight. Get one or two wins, build momentum and circumstances will improve

"I know that fortunes reversed starting from a low base in 2016, culminating in the 2019 championship. All outcomes are achievable"

Associated subjects

• Rugby in Wales
• The governing body
• The sport