'It appeared unfavorable' - Erasmus reacts to Etzebeth sending off

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South Africa head coach the national team coach conceded "the optics weren't great" in the wake of experienced second-row Eben Etzebeth received a red card for an eye gouge against Wales

The Springboks completed a flawless end-of-year tour through overwhelming play in Cardiff netting eleven touchdowns resulting in a 73-nil victory

However almost the final act of the international year featured the veteran player, who scored the last try being dismissed through the decision of the presiding official

The veteran forward was shown a dismissal for touching the eye area of Wales flanker the back-row forward with his thumb during late-game altercation

"I don't know what I can say without causing debate. The visual was unfavorable and it was a justified red card," stated the manager

"The way it unfolded and why it happened, if he was instigated, it's unclear, but it's definitely not the way we preferred to conclude the match. In my view that the optics were great"

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

His Sharks team commence their Champions Cup campaign at Toulouse this coming weekend prior to a domestic match facing the London side plus local rivalries during the holidays

The top-ranked team overwhelmed their opponents 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 alongside a late triumph facing the Brave Blossoms

The Welsh team has suffered multiple defeats in recent games but the coach attempted to offer some comfort

"I believe the squad has been progressing and improving, this demonstrated a controlled performance," he stated

"The Welsh team are not a team that give up accept defeat, they fight until the end. This represented a remarkably efficient showing featuring our squad exhibiting maximum commitment"

"The Welsh possess an excellent manager and will come back. We understand fortunes can reverse like the 1998 example we beat them (by a huge margin) subsequently fell in 1999"

The national team finish the year top of world rugby having secured consecutive southern hemisphere crowns

The Springboks have demonstrated their extensive squad strength and power but the coach referenced their previous lower ranking

"We were in that situation and supporters expressing anger, however the fans continue attending," he commented

"There is the support and the players have the fight. Secure initial victories, get on a roll and circumstances will improve

"I'm aware that things changed starting from a low base in 2016, achieving global success. Potential remains unlimited"

Related topics

• Rugby in Wales
• Wales Rugby Union
• International rugby