'It didn't look good' - Erasmus on Etzebeth dismissal

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Springboks manager Rassie Erasmus admitted "the optics weren't great" in the wake of veteran forward Eben Etzebeth was dismissed for an eye gouge against Wales

The Springboks completed an autumn clean sweep by going on the rampage at the Welsh capital registering eleven touchdowns during a comprehensive shutout

Nevertheless almost the final act of the annual campaign was Etzebeth, who crossed the concluding points getting sent off from the official Luc Ramos

The experienced player received a red card due to contact the eye area of Wales flanker the back-row forward with 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 proper sending-off," stated the manager

"The way it unfolded and what prompted it, whether there was provocation, it's unclear, but it's definitely not the way that we would have liked to end the game. I believe it appeared favorable"

Etzebeth, who increased his cap achievement by earning his 141st appearance in Cardiff, appears likely to face an extended suspension

His Sharks team commence their Champions Cup campaign at Toulouse on Sunday, 7 December before a home game facing the London side including domestic clashes during the holidays

The reigning titleholders overwhelmed their opponents throughout the contest which proved lopsided from the start

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

Wales have lost numerous losses in current form yet Erasmus tried to provide encouragement

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

"The Welsh are not a team that give up yield to pressure, they compete throughout. This was an exceptionally precise display featuring our squad exhibiting our soul out on the game"

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

The national team finish the year ranked first globally after winning successive tournament wins

The Springboks have displayed their formidable depth and prowess but the coach referenced their previous lower ranking

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

"The backing exists with the squad showing spirit. Get one or two wins, create a streak and things will change

"I know that things changed from our previous struggles, achieving global success. Potential remains unlimited"

Associated subjects

• Rugby in Wales
• Wales Rugby Union
• Rugby Union