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

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Springboks manager Rassie Erasmus acknowledged "it didn't appear favorable" after legendary lock Eben Etzebeth was dismissed for making contact with an opponent's eye against Wales

South Africa's national team completed a flawless end-of-year tour through overwhelming play in Cardiff registering 11 tries in a 73-nil victory

Nevertheless nearly the last action of the international year involved the lock forward, who crossed for the final score receiving a red card by referee the match referee

The experienced player was shown a sending-off for making contact with the left eye of opponent the back-row forward using his thumb during late-game altercation

"I'm uncertain how to respond that avoids controversy. It didn't look good and it was a legitimate dismissal," said Erasmus

"The way it unfolded and what prompted it, and if he was provoked, I am not sure, yet it's absolutely not how we preferred to end the game. I don't think the visual impression was positive"

Etzebeth, who expanded his Springboks record through receiving cap number 141 in Wales, seems destined to face an extended suspension

His domestic franchise start their European competition at Toulouse on Sunday, 7 December before a home game against Saracens plus local rivalries during the holidays

The top-ranked team overwhelmed their opponents during the match that became unbalanced from the start

Steve Tandy's reign has begun with multiple significant losses versus leading rugby powers and a last-gasp win versus the Asian side

The national side has experienced multiple defeats in recent games but the coach attempted to provide encouragement

"I believe that we have been building and improving, this was a controlled performance," he commented

"The Welsh are not a team that just roll over and take the shots, they compete throughout. This demonstrated an exceptionally precise display featuring our squad exhibiting maximum commitment"

"Wales have a great coach and will rebound. We know situations can transform like the 1998 example we defeated them (by a huge margin) and then lost the following year"

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

The world champions have showcased their formidable depth and capability yet Erasmus pointed to their former position

"We experienced similar circumstances with fans destroying merchandise, yet Welsh supporters remain," he said

"The backing exists with the squad showing spirit. Achieve early successes, build momentum and results will transform

"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

• Welsh Rugby
• Wales Rugby Union
• The sport