'The optics were poor' - Springboks coach on Etzebeth dismissal

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Springboks head coach the national team coach acknowledged "it didn't appear favorable" after veteran forward Eben Etzebeth was sent off for making contact with an opponent's eye in the match with Wales

The Springboks achieved an autumn clean sweep with a dominant performance at the Welsh capital registering multiple scores during a 73-0 win

Nevertheless virtually the concluding moment of the international year involved the lock forward, who scored the last try getting sent off from the official Luc Ramos

The experienced player was shown a red card due to contact the facial region of Wales flanker Alex Mann with his thumb in a match-ending incident

"I'm uncertain how to respond without causing debate. The appearance was poor and it was a legitimate dismissal," said Erasmus

"The manner it occurred and what prompted it, and if he was provoked, I cannot confirm, however it's certainly not the way we preferred to end the game. In my view it appeared favorable"

The second-row forward, who extended his national team milestone when winning cap number 141 in Wales, appears likely to face an extended suspension

His Sharks team commence their continental tournament in France early December before a home game against Saracens and South African derbies over the festive period

The reigning titleholders overpowered Wales in a fixture that was one-sided from the beginning

Steve Tandy's reign has commenced following substantial reverses to South Africa, New Zealand and Argentina alongside a late triumph versus the Asian side

The Welsh team has suffered numerous losses in current form however the manager sought to offer some comfort

"I believe the squad has been progressing and building up, this demonstrated a measured showing," he stated

"The Welsh are not a team that give up yield to pressure, they compete throughout. This demonstrated one of the really clinical performances and us putting our soul out on the game"

"Wales have an excellent manager and will rebound. We understand it can change and in 1998 we defeated them (by a huge margin) then were defeated soon after"

The Springboks conclude the season as the number one side after winning consecutive southern hemisphere crowns

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

"Our team faced comparable conditions and supporters expressing anger, yet Welsh supporters remain," he commented

"The encouragement continues and the players have the fight. Get one or two wins, create a streak and results will transform

"I'm aware that situations transformed starting from a low base in 2016, achieving global success. Anything is possible"

Related topics

• Wales national team
• Wales Rugby Union
• Rugby Union