'It didn't look good' - Erasmus reacts to Eben Etzebeth dismissal

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South Africa manager the national team coach admitted "the optics weren't great" in the wake of veteran forward the towering player received a red card for making contact with an opponent's eye against Wales

South Africa's national team completed a flawless end-of-year tour with a dominant performance in Cardiff registering multiple scores during a 73-0 win

Nevertheless virtually the concluding moment of the international year featured the veteran player, who scored the concluding points being dismissed by referee the match referee

The experienced player received a sending-off due to contact with the left eye of Wales flanker the back-row forward via digital contact during late-game altercation

"It's difficult to say what I can say that won't be controversial. The visual was unfavorable making it a justified red card," said Erasmus

"The manner it occurred and the reasons behind it, if he was instigated, I cannot confirm, but it's definitely not the manner we preferred to finish the contest. I believe the visual impression was positive"

Etzebeth, who extended his Springboks record when winning a 141st cap in Cardiff, looks certain to receive a prolonged period out

His club side start their European competition at Toulouse early December prior to a domestic match facing the London side and South African derbies through the Christmas season

The top-ranked team overwhelmed their opponents throughout the contest that became unbalanced from the off

The new coach's tenure has begun with three heavy autumn defeats versus leading rugby powers plus a narrow victory against Japan

Wales have lost numerous losses in current form however the manager sought to offer some comfort

"In my opinion the squad has been progressing and improving, this represented a disciplined display," he stated

"Wales are not players who surrender easily accept defeat, they fight until the end. This demonstrated one of the really clinical performances and us putting total dedication"

"The Welsh possess a quality leader and will rebound. We understand it can change and in 1998 we defeated them (comprehensively) then were defeated soon after"

The Springboks end the calendar as the number one side having secured back-to-back Rugby Championship titles

The Springboks have demonstrated their extensive squad strength and power however the manager recalled their former position

"We experienced similar circumstances and people were burning jerseys, however the fans continue attending," he commented

"There is the support with the squad showing spirit. Get one or two wins, build momentum and results will transform

"I recognize that things changed starting from a low base in 2016, culminating in the 2019 championship. Potential remains unlimited"

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• Rugby in Wales
• The governing body
• Rugby Union