'It appeared unfavorable' - Erasmus reacts to Etzebeth dismissal

• Released
  Recently published
• Numerous reactions

Springboks manager the national team coach admitted "the optics weren't great" after veteran forward Eben Etzebeth received a red card due to eye contact against Wales

South Africa's national team completed a perfect autumn series with a dominant performance at the Welsh capital netting 11 tries resulting in a 73-nil victory

Nevertheless almost the final act of the Test season featured the veteran player, who crossed the last try being dismissed from the official Luc Ramos

The experienced player was given a red card for touching with the left eye of Wales flanker Alex Mann using his thumb in a 79th-minute scuffle

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

"How it happened and what prompted it, and if he was provoked, I cannot confirm, but it's definitely not how we preferred to conclude the match. I believe that the optics were great"

The second-row forward, who increased his Springboks record when winning cap number 141 during the match, seems destined to face a lengthy ban

His Sharks team begin their Champions Cup campaign against the French side on Sunday, 7 December before a home game facing the London side plus local rivalries over the festive period

The top-ranked team overwhelmed their opponents during the match that became unbalanced from the beginning

The new coach's tenure has started with three heavy autumn defeats versus leading rugby powers plus a narrow victory facing the Brave Blossoms

The national side has experienced 21 of their last 23 Test matches yet Erasmus tried to give reassurance

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

"The Welsh team are not a team that give up accept defeat, they battle continuously. This was a remarkably efficient showing and us putting maximum commitment"

"The Welsh possess an excellent manager and shall return. We know it can change as demonstrated in 1998 we defeated them (96-13) then were defeated the following year"

The Springboks finish the year as the number one side following victories in consecutive southern hemisphere crowns

The Springboks have demonstrated their formidable depth and power yet Erasmus pointed to when they were ranked sixth

"We were in that situation with fans destroying merchandise, but the Welsh people are here," he noted

"There is the support and the team demonstrates determination. Secure initial victories, build momentum and results will transform

"I recognize that fortunes reversed from 2016, when we were nowhere, achieving global success. Potential remains unlimited"

Connected themes

• Wales national team
• National organization
• International rugby