'The optics were poor' - Erasmus on Etzebeth red card

• Posted
  Less than an hour ago
• Over sixty responses

South Africa leader Rassie Erasmus acknowledged "the optics weren't great" after experienced second-row Eben Etzebeth received a red card for making contact with an opponent's eye against Wales

The Springboks achieved an autumn clean sweep through overwhelming play during the match registering 11 tries in a comprehensive shutout

Nevertheless virtually the concluding moment of the international year involved the lock forward, who scored for the final score being dismissed from the official the presiding official

The 34-year-old was shown a sending-off for touching the facial region of Wales flanker Alex Mann with his thumb in a match-ending incident

"It's difficult to say what I can say that won't be controversial. It didn't look good therefore it became a legitimate dismissal," stated the manager

"How it happened and the reasons behind it, if he was instigated, I cannot confirm, but it's definitely not the manner we preferred to end the game. I don't think it appeared favorable"

The experienced player, who extended his national team milestone when winning cap number 141 during the match, appears likely to face a lengthy ban

His club side begin their continental tournament in France early December before a home game against Saracens plus local rivalries during the holidays

The world champions overwhelmed their opponents during the match which proved lopsided from the start

The new coach's tenure has begun with three heavy autumn defeats to South Africa, New Zealand and Argentina alongside a late triumph against Japan

The national side has experienced 21 of their last 23 Test matches however the manager sought to offer some comfort

"I believe that we have been building and advancing, this represented a controlled performance," he said

"Wales are not a team who surrender easily and take the shots, they battle continuously. This was a remarkably efficient showing with our team displaying total dedication"

"The team includes a great coach and shall return. We understand fortunes can reverse as demonstrated in 1998 we beat them (by a huge margin) subsequently fell in 1999"

The Springboks finish the year ranked first globally following victories in successive tournament wins

South Africa's team have displayed their extensive squad strength and capability yet Erasmus pointed to their previous lower ranking

"Our team faced comparable conditions and people were burning jerseys, yet Welsh supporters remain," he commented

"The encouragement continues and the players have the fight. Secure initial victories, create a streak and circumstances will improve

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

Associated subjects

• Welsh Rugby
• Wales Rugby Union
• International rugby