'The optics were poor' - Springboks coach reacts to Etzebeth sending off

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Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus acknowledged "the optics weren't great" after legendary lock Eben Etzebeth was dismissed for an eye gouge in the match with Wales

The Springboks completed a flawless end-of-year tour with a dominant performance during the match to score multiple scores resulting in a 73-nil victory

However nearly the last action of the Test season featured the veteran player, who went over the last try receiving a red card by referee the match referee

The experienced player received a red card for making contact the facial region of opponent Alex Mann via digital contact in a match-ending incident

"I'm uncertain what to comment that won't be controversial. The appearance was poor and it was a proper sending-off," said Erasmus

"The way it unfolded and why it happened, and if he was provoked, I am not sure, however it's certainly not the manner we preferred to finish the contest. In my view it appeared favorable"

The second-row forward, who extended his Springboks record by earning cap number 141 in Cardiff, seems destined to be given a prolonged period out

His domestic franchise start their European competition at Toulouse early December prior to a domestic match versus the English club and South African derbies during the holidays

The world champions dominated the Welsh throughout the contest that became unbalanced from the beginning

The current management's period has commenced following substantial reverses versus leading rugby powers and a last-gasp win versus the Asian side

Wales have lost 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 measured showing," he said

"The Welsh team are not a team that give up accept defeat, they compete throughout. This demonstrated one of the really clinical performances featuring our squad exhibiting maximum commitment"

"Wales have an excellent manager and will rebound. We recognize situations can transform and in 1998 we beat them (comprehensively) then were defeated in 1999"

South Africa finish the year as the number one side having secured successive tournament wins

South Africa's team have showcased their extensive squad strength and prowess however the manager recalled their previous lower ranking

"We experienced similar circumstances with fans destroying merchandise, however the fans continue attending," he noted

"The encouragement continues and the team demonstrates determination. Achieve early successes, create a streak and results will transform

"I know that fortunes reversed from our previous struggles, culminating in the 2019 championship. Potential remains unlimited"

Associated subjects

• Rugby in Wales
• Wales Rugby Union
• International rugby