'It didn't look good' - Springboks coach reacts to Etzebeth sending off

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South Africa leader Rassie Erasmus conceded "the optics weren't great" in the wake of legendary lock Eben Etzebeth received a red card due to eye contact versus the Welsh team

South Africa's national team achieved an autumn clean sweep through overwhelming play in Cardiff to score multiple scores in a 73-0 win

Nevertheless almost the final act of the Test season involved the lock forward, who crossed for the final score getting sent off by referee the match referee

The 34-year-old received a dismissal for making contact with the left eye of the Welsh player the back-row forward using his thumb in a match-ending incident

"I'm uncertain how to respond that avoids controversy. The visual was unfavorable therefore it became a proper sending-off," commented the coach

"The manner it occurred and what prompted it, if he was instigated, I am not sure, yet it's absolutely not the manner that we would have liked to finish the contest. I believe it appeared favorable"

Etzebeth, who expanded his cap achievement by earning cap number 141 in Cardiff, looks certain to be given an extended suspension

His club side start their continental tournament in France this coming weekend prior to a domestic match against Saracens including domestic clashes during the holidays

The reigning titleholders dominated the Welsh during the match that was one-sided from the start

The new coach's tenure has commenced with multiple significant losses versus leading rugby powers plus a narrow victory versus the Asian side

Wales have lost multiple defeats in recent games yet Erasmus tried to provide encouragement

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

"The Welsh are not guys who surrender easily accept defeat, they battle continuously. This represented a remarkably efficient showing featuring our squad exhibiting total dedication"

"Wales have a quality leader and will come back. We recognize it can change and in 1998 we overcame them (comprehensively) and then lost in 1999"

The national team conclude the season as the number one side having secured back-to-back Rugby Championship titles

The Springboks have demonstrated their formidable depth and power however the manager recalled their former position

"We were in that situation with fans destroying merchandise, yet Welsh supporters remain," he commented

"The backing exists with the squad showing spirit. Get one or two wins, build momentum and results will transform

"I'm aware that things changed starting from a low base in 2016, achieving global success. All outcomes are achievable"

Associated subjects

• Wales national team
• National organization
• International rugby