'It appeared unfavorable' - Springboks coach on Etzebeth sending off

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Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus conceded "the optics weren't great" after experienced second-row the towering player was dismissed for making contact with an opponent's eye versus the Welsh team

South Africa's national team completed an autumn clean sweep by going on the rampage during the match netting multiple scores during a 73-0 win

However virtually the concluding moment of the annual campaign featured the veteran player, who crossed for the final score being dismissed through the decision of Luc Ramos

The 34-year-old was given a red card for touching with the left eye of Wales flanker the back-row forward with his thumb during late-game altercation

"I'm uncertain what I can say without causing debate. The visual was unfavorable making it a justified red card," said Erasmus

"The way it unfolded and why it happened, if he was instigated, I am not sure, however it's certainly not the way we preferred to finish the contest. In my view that the optics were great"

The experienced player, who increased his Springboks record by earning his 141st appearance during the match, appears likely to be given a prolonged period out

His Sharks team commence their European competition against the French side early December prior to a domestic match against Saracens and South African derbies through the Christmas season

The reigning titleholders dominated the Welsh during the match that became unbalanced from the off

Steve Tandy's reign has commenced following substantial reverses to South Africa, New Zealand and Argentina alongside a late triumph facing the Brave Blossoms

The Welsh team has suffered multiple defeats in recent games however the manager sought to give reassurance

"I believe that we have been building and building up, this demonstrated a measured showing," he said

"Wales are not players that just roll over accept defeat, they compete throughout. This represented an exceptionally precise display featuring our squad exhibiting maximum commitment"

"The Welsh possess an excellent manager and shall return. We know situations can transform as demonstrated in 1998 we defeated them (by a huge margin) subsequently fell soon after"

South Africa finish the year top of world rugby following victories in back-to-back Rugby Championship titles

The world champions have displayed their formidable depth and capability however the manager recalled their previous lower ranking

"Our team faced comparable conditions with fans destroying merchandise, but the Welsh people are here," he said

"There is the support and the players have the fight. Achieve early successes, get on a roll and circumstances will improve

"I'm aware that fortunes reversed from our previous struggles, to 2019 when we won the World Cup. Potential remains unlimited"

Associated subjects

• Welsh Rugby
• Wales Rugby Union
• International rugby