'The optics were poor' - Springboks coach reacts to Eben Etzebeth red card

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South Africa leader Rassie Erasmus acknowledged "the visual impression was poor" in the wake of veteran forward Eben Etzebeth was dismissed for an eye gouge in the match with Wales

The Springboks achieved an autumn clean sweep through overwhelming play at the Welsh capital to score 11 tries during a comprehensive shutout

Yet almost the final act of the international year was Etzebeth, who crossed the concluding points receiving a red card from the official the match referee

The veteran forward was given a sending-off due to contact with the left eye of opponent Alex Mann via digital contact during late-game altercation

"I don't know what I can say without causing debate. The appearance was poor and it was a proper sending-off," said Erasmus

"The way it unfolded and why it happened, if he was instigated, I am not sure, but it's definitely not the way that we would have liked to end the game. I don't think that the optics were great"

The second-row forward, who extended his cap achievement by earning a 141st cap in Wales, seems destined to be given an extended suspension

His club side start their continental tournament against the French side early December followed by a home fixture versus the English club and South African derbies over the festive period

The reigning titleholders overwhelmed their opponents during the match that became unbalanced from the beginning

The new coach's tenure has begun with multiple significant losses versus leading rugby powers and a last-gasp win facing the Brave Blossoms

Wales have lost numerous losses in current form however the manager sought to provide encouragement

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

"The Welsh are not a team who surrender easily accept defeat, they compete throughout. This was an exceptionally precise display and us putting our soul out on the game"

"The team includes an excellent manager and shall return. We understand fortunes can reverse and in 1998 we defeated them (comprehensively) then were defeated soon after"

South Africa conclude the season top of world rugby having secured successive tournament wins

The world champions have demonstrated their formidable depth and prowess however the manager recalled their former position

"Our team faced comparable conditions with fans destroying merchandise, but the Welsh people are here," he noted

"The backing exists and the players have the fight. Get one or two wins, create a streak and things will change

"I recognize that things changed starting from a low base in 2016, to 2019 when we won the World Cup. All outcomes are achievable"

Associated subjects

• Wales national team
• Wales Rugby Union
• International rugby