'The optics were poor' - Erasmus on Etzebeth dismissal

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South Africa leader Rassie Erasmus admitted "the visual impression was poor" in the wake of experienced second-row the towering player was sent off for making contact with an opponent's eye in the match with Wales

South Africa's national team completed a perfect autumn series with a dominant performance in Cardiff to score multiple scores resulting in a 73-nil victory

However nearly the last action of the annual campaign featured the veteran player, who went over the last try receiving a red card through the decision of the presiding official

The experienced player received a red card for touching the facial region of Wales flanker Alex Mann with his thumb during late-game altercation

"It's difficult to say how to respond without causing debate. The visual was unfavorable and it was a proper sending-off," said Erasmus

"How it happened and the reasons behind it, whether there was provocation, I cannot confirm, but it's definitely not the way we had hoped to end the game. I don't think that the optics were great"

The second-row forward, who extended his Springboks record by earning his 141st appearance during the match, appears likely to face a lengthy ban

His domestic franchise start their European competition against the French side on Sunday, 7 December before a home game against Saracens including domestic clashes through the Christmas season

The top-ranked team overwhelmed their opponents in a fixture that became unbalanced from the start

The new coach's tenure has commenced with three heavy autumn defeats versus leading rugby powers and a last-gasp win facing the Brave Blossoms

The Welsh team has suffered 21 of their last 23 Test matches yet Erasmus tried to provide encouragement

"I feel our team has been developing and building up, this was a disciplined display," he stated

"Wales are not players that give up and take the shots, they battle continuously. This was one of the really clinical performances featuring our squad exhibiting total dedication"

"Wales have a quality leader and will rebound. We know fortunes can reverse and in 1998 we beat them (96-13) then were defeated in 1999"

The national team end the calendar as the number one side after winning consecutive southern hemisphere crowns

The Springboks have displayed their extensive squad strength and prowess but the coach referenced their previous lower ranking

"We were in that situation and supporters expressing anger, yet Welsh supporters remain," he commented

"There is the support with the squad showing spirit. Achieve early successes, get on a roll and things will change

"I know that things changed from our previous struggles, to 2019 when we won the World Cup. Anything is possible"

Associated subjects

• Welsh Rugby
• Wales Rugby Union
• Rugby Union