'The optics were poor' - Springboks coach discusses Eben Etzebeth sending off

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South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus admitted "the visual impression was poor" following legendary lock the towering player was dismissed for making contact with an opponent's eye versus the Welsh team

The Springboks secured a flawless end-of-year tour through overwhelming play at the Welsh capital to score eleven touchdowns during a comprehensive shutout

Nevertheless virtually the concluding moment of the international year involved the lock forward, who went over the last try receiving a red card by referee the presiding official

The experienced player was given a red card for making contact with the left eye of opponent the back-row forward via digital contact in a match-ending incident

"It's difficult to say what I can say that avoids controversy. It didn't look good and it was a justified red card," stated the manager

"The way it unfolded and what prompted it, whether there was provocation, it's unclear, however it's certainly not how that we would have liked to conclude the match. I don't think the visual impression was positive"

Etzebeth, who expanded his Springboks record through receiving cap number 141 during the match, looks certain to be given a prolonged period out

His Sharks team begin their Champions Cup campaign in France on Sunday, 7 December followed by a home fixture versus the English club including domestic clashes over the festive period

The world champions overwhelmed their opponents in a fixture that was one-sided from the start

The new coach's tenure has begun with three heavy autumn defeats against top-tier nations alongside a late triumph facing the Brave Blossoms

Wales have lost numerous losses in current form but the coach attempted to provide encouragement

"I feel that we have been building and building up, this represented a disciplined display," he stated

"The Welsh team are not players that give up and take the shots, they battle continuously. This was an exceptionally precise display with our team displaying total dedication"

"Wales have a great coach and will rebound. We know it can change and in 1998 we overcame them (by a huge margin) subsequently fell the following year"

South Africa finish the year as the number one side having secured back-to-back Rugby Championship titles

South Africa's team have displayed their extensive squad strength and power yet Erasmus pointed to their previous lower ranking

"Our team faced comparable conditions and people were burning jerseys, but the Welsh people are here," he said

"There is the support and the team demonstrates determination. Secure initial victories, build momentum and things will change

"I recognize that fortunes reversed from 2016, when we were nowhere, culminating in the 2019 championship. Potential remains unlimited"

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