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

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Springboks manager Rassie Erasmus admitted "it didn't appear favorable" in the wake of legendary lock the towering player was dismissed due to eye contact in the match with Wales

The Springboks completed a perfect autumn series through overwhelming play at the Welsh capital registering 11 tries in a 73-0 win

Nevertheless virtually the concluding moment of the Test season was Etzebeth, who crossed the concluding points getting sent off through the decision of the presiding official

The veteran forward was given a sending-off for touching the facial region of the Welsh player the back-row forward with his thumb in a match-ending incident

"I'm uncertain what to comment that won't be controversial. The visual was unfavorable and it was a proper sending-off," commented the coach

"The manner it occurred and the reasons behind it, and if he was provoked, it's unclear, yet it's absolutely not the way we had hoped to conclude the match. In my view the visual impression was positive"

The second-row forward, who extended his Springboks record by earning a 141st cap during the match, seems destined to be given a lengthy ban

His club side begin their continental tournament in France this coming weekend prior to a domestic match facing the London side and South African derbies over the festive period

The reigning titleholders overpowered Wales during the match which proved lopsided from the beginning

The current management's period has started with multiple significant losses against top-tier nations plus a narrow victory versus the Asian side

Wales have lost 21 of their last 23 Test matches however the manager sought to give reassurance

"In my opinion that we have been building and improving, this demonstrated a disciplined display," he commented

"Wales are not a team that just roll over yield to pressure, they battle continuously. This represented an exceptionally precise display featuring our squad exhibiting our soul out on the game"

"Wales have a quality leader and shall return. We understand it can change as demonstrated in 1998 we overcame them (comprehensively) subsequently fell in 1999"

The Springboks finish the year top of world rugby after winning back-to-back Rugby Championship titles

South Africa's team have showcased their extensive squad strength and capability but the coach referenced their former position

"Our team faced comparable conditions with fans destroying merchandise, but the Welsh people are here," he said

"There is the support with the squad showing spirit. Secure initial victories, get on a roll and circumstances will improve

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

Associated subjects

• Welsh Rugby
• The governing body
• International rugby