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

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South Africa leader Rassie Erasmus conceded "the optics weren't great" after experienced second-row Eben Etzebeth was sent off for making contact with an opponent's eye against Wales

South Africa's national team secured an autumn clean sweep through overwhelming play during the match registering eleven touchdowns resulting in a 73-0 win

However nearly the last action of the international year involved the lock forward, who crossed the concluding points getting sent off through the decision of the presiding official

The veteran forward received a dismissal due to contact the eye area of the Welsh player the back-row forward using his thumb in a match-ending incident

"I don't know what to comment that won't be controversial. It didn't look good making it a justified red card," stated the manager

"How it happened and the reasons behind it, and if he was provoked, I cannot confirm, however it's certainly not the way that we would have liked to conclude the match. In my view that the optics were great"

The experienced player, who increased his national team milestone by earning a 141st cap in Cardiff, seems destined to face an extended suspension

His club side start their European competition at Toulouse this coming weekend followed by a home fixture versus the English club plus local rivalries through the Christmas season

The world champions overwhelmed their opponents throughout the contest that was one-sided from the beginning

Steve Tandy's reign has commenced with multiple significant losses against top-tier nations alongside a late triumph facing the Brave Blossoms

The Welsh team has suffered multiple defeats in recent games however the manager sought to provide encouragement

"In my opinion that we have been building and building up, this represented a disciplined display," he commented

"The Welsh team are not guys that just roll over and take the shots, they fight until the end. This was an exceptionally precise display featuring our squad exhibiting maximum commitment"

"The Welsh possess an excellent manager and will rebound. We understand it can change like the 1998 example we beat them (96-13) subsequently fell soon after"

The national team end the calendar top of world rugby following victories in successive tournament wins

South Africa's team have showcased their extensive squad strength and power but the coach referenced their previous lower ranking

"We were in that situation with fans destroying merchandise, yet Welsh supporters remain," he commented

"There is the support and the team demonstrates determination. Secure initial victories, create a streak and circumstances will improve

"I'm aware that fortunes reversed from 2016, when we were nowhere, to 2019 when we won the World Cup. Anything is possible"

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