'The optics were poor' - Springboks coach discusses Eben Etzebeth red card

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South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus acknowledged "the optics weren't great" after legendary lock Eben Etzebeth received a red card for making contact with an opponent's eye against Wales

South Africa's national team secured a flawless end-of-year tour through overwhelming play during the match netting 11 tries in a comprehensive shutout

Yet almost the final act of the Test season featured the veteran player, who crossed the concluding points receiving a red card from the official the match referee

The experienced player received a dismissal for touching with the left eye of the Welsh player the back-row forward with his thumb in a 79th-minute scuffle

"It's difficult to say what I can say without causing debate. The appearance was poor making it a justified red card," stated the manager

"The way it unfolded and what prompted it, if he was instigated, I am not sure, yet it's absolutely not how we preferred to conclude the match. I don't think it appeared favorable"

The second-row forward, who increased his Springboks record by earning his 141st appearance in Cardiff, seems destined to receive an extended suspension

His Sharks team begin their continental tournament in France early December before a home game against Saracens including domestic clashes through the Christmas season

The top-ranked team overwhelmed their opponents throughout the contest that was one-sided from the beginning

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

The national side has experienced numerous losses in current form yet Erasmus tried to give reassurance

"I feel the squad has been progressing and building up, this was a measured showing," he said

"The Welsh are not guys who surrender easily and take the shots, they fight until the end. This was an exceptionally precise display featuring our squad exhibiting total dedication"

"The team includes a quality leader and shall return. We recognize fortunes can reverse as demonstrated in 1998 we defeated them (by a huge margin) then were defeated soon after"

The national team conclude the season as the number one side having secured back-to-back Rugby Championship titles

The world champions have showcased their formidable depth and power but the coach referenced their previous lower ranking

"Our team faced comparable conditions and people were burning jerseys, but the Welsh people are here," he said

"There is the support and the team demonstrates determination. Secure initial victories, get on a roll and results will transform

"I know that situations transformed starting from a low base in 2016, achieving global success. Potential remains unlimited"

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