'It appeared unfavorable' - Erasmus on Eben Etzebeth dismissal

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Springboks leader Rassie Erasmus admitted "the optics weren't great" after experienced second-row Eben Etzebeth received a red card for making contact with an opponent's eye versus the Welsh team

The Springboks secured a perfect autumn series with a dominant performance at the Welsh capital to score eleven touchdowns during a comprehensive shutout

However almost the final act of the international year involved the lock forward, who went over the concluding points receiving a red card through the decision of Luc Ramos

The veteran forward was given a sending-off for making contact with the left eye of opponent the back-row forward with his thumb in a 79th-minute scuffle

"I don't know how to respond that avoids controversy. It didn't look good making it a proper sending-off," said Erasmus

"The manner it occurred and why it happened, whether there was provocation, I cannot confirm, yet it's absolutely not how we preferred to end the game. I believe that the optics were great"

Etzebeth, who extended his national team milestone by earning his 141st appearance in Cardiff, appears likely to face a lengthy ban

His domestic franchise begin their European competition at Toulouse early December followed by a home fixture against Saracens including domestic clashes during the holidays

The reigning titleholders overwhelmed their opponents during the match that became unbalanced from the beginning

The current management's period has begun with multiple significant losses against top-tier nations alongside a late triumph facing the Brave Blossoms

The national side has experienced numerous losses in current form yet Erasmus tried to offer some comfort

"I feel our team has been developing and improving, this was a controlled performance," he said

"The Welsh are not guys that give up accept defeat, they compete throughout. This demonstrated a remarkably efficient showing featuring our squad exhibiting our soul out on the game"

"The Welsh possess a quality leader and will rebound. We recognize situations can transform and in 1998 we defeated them (comprehensively) and then lost in 1999"

The national team finish the year top of world rugby following victories in back-to-back Rugby Championship titles

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 supporters expressing anger, however the fans continue attending," he noted

"The backing exists and the players have the fight. Achieve early successes, get on a roll and circumstances will improve

"I know that situations transformed from 2016, when we were nowhere, culminating in the 2019 championship. Potential remains unlimited"

Associated subjects

• Rugby in Wales
• National organization
• The sport