'It didn't look good' - Erasmus discusses Eben Etzebeth red card

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Springboks leader the national team coach conceded "the optics weren't great" following legendary lock the towering player was dismissed due to eye contact versus the Welsh team

South Africa's national team achieved an autumn clean sweep by going on the rampage in Cardiff to score multiple scores resulting in a 73-nil victory

Nevertheless almost the final act of the Test season involved the lock forward, who scored the last try being dismissed by referee the presiding official

The veteran forward was given a red card for making contact the eye area of the Welsh player the back-row forward using his thumb in a match-ending incident

"It's difficult to say what to comment without causing debate. The visual was unfavorable and it was a legitimate dismissal," commented the coach

"The manner it occurred and the reasons behind it, and if he was provoked, I cannot confirm, but it's definitely not the manner we preferred to finish the contest. I believe that the optics were great"

The experienced player, who increased his national team milestone when winning a 141st cap during the match, looks certain to receive a lengthy ban

His Sharks team start their continental tournament at Toulouse this coming weekend before a home game versus the English club and South African derbies through the Christmas season

The world champions overwhelmed their opponents in a fixture which proved lopsided from the off

The current management's period has commenced with multiple significant losses to South Africa, New Zealand and Argentina plus a narrow victory versus the Asian side

The national side has experienced multiple defeats in recent games yet Erasmus tried to offer some comfort

"I believe our team has been developing and building up, this represented a controlled performance," he stated

"Wales are not guys that give up yield to pressure, they compete throughout. This represented an exceptionally precise display with our team displaying maximum commitment"

"Wales have a quality leader and shall return. We understand situations can transform and in 1998 we overcame them (96-13) then were defeated in 1999"

South Africa finish the year as the number one side after winning successive tournament wins

South Africa's team have displayed their extensive squad strength and prowess but the coach referenced when they were ranked sixth

"We were in that situation and people were burning jerseys, yet Welsh supporters remain," he said

"The backing exists and the team demonstrates determination. Secure initial victories, build momentum and things will change

"I know that things changed from 2016, when we were nowhere, to 2019 when we won the World Cup. Potential remains unlimited"

Associated subjects

• Wales national team
• Wales Rugby Union
• International rugby