'It didn't look good' - Erasmus discusses Etzebeth sending off

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Springboks leader Rassie Erasmus conceded "the optics weren't great" in the wake of legendary lock Eben Etzebeth received a red card for making contact with an opponent's eye against Wales

South Africa's national team completed an autumn clean sweep with a dominant performance in Cardiff registering multiple scores resulting in a comprehensive shutout

Yet nearly the last action of the Test season involved the lock forward, who scored the concluding points receiving a red card through the decision of the match referee

The 34-year-old was shown a dismissal due to contact the eye area of Wales flanker the back-row forward using his thumb in a match-ending incident

"I don't know how to respond that avoids controversy. The appearance was poor therefore it became a justified red card," stated the manager

"The manner it occurred and the reasons behind it, if he was instigated, I cannot confirm, but it's definitely not the manner we had hoped to end the game. I don't think the visual impression was positive"

The experienced player, who extended his Springboks record when winning a 141st cap during the match, appears likely to be given an extended suspension

His domestic franchise begin their continental tournament against the French side on Sunday, 7 December prior to a domestic match against Saracens plus local rivalries over the festive period

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

The current management's period has begun with three heavy autumn defeats versus leading rugby powers alongside a late triumph versus the Asian side

The national side has experienced numerous losses in current form but the coach attempted to offer some comfort

"In my opinion the squad has been progressing and building up, this represented a disciplined display," he stated

"The Welsh are not players that give up and take the shots, they battle continuously. This was one of the really clinical performances with our team displaying total dedication"

"Wales have a great coach and will rebound. We know fortunes can reverse like the 1998 example we defeated them (by a huge margin) then were defeated soon after"

The Springboks conclude the season as the number one side following victories in successive tournament wins

The world champions have showcased their formidable depth and prowess but the coach referenced their former position

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

"The backing exists and the team demonstrates determination. Secure initial victories, get on a roll and things will change

"I recognize that situations transformed from 2016, when we were nowhere, achieving global success. All outcomes are achievable"

Related topics

• Rugby in Wales
• Wales Rugby Union
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