'It appeared unfavorable' - Springboks coach reacts to Eben Etzebeth red card

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South Africa manager Rassie Erasmus admitted "the optics weren't great" after veteran forward the towering player was dismissed for making contact with an opponent's eye versus the Welsh team

The Springboks achieved 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 annual campaign involved the lock forward, who scored the last try receiving a red card by referee the presiding official

The veteran forward was shown a red card for touching the facial region of the Welsh player Alex Mann with his thumb in a match-ending incident

"I don't know how to respond that won't be controversial. The visual was unfavorable making it a justified red card," said Erasmus

"The way it unfolded and what prompted it, and if he was provoked, I cannot confirm, yet it's absolutely not the manner we preferred to finish the contest. I don't think the visual impression was positive"

The experienced player, who expanded his Springboks record by earning his 141st appearance in Cardiff, looks certain to face a prolonged period out

His domestic franchise begin their European competition against the French side on Sunday, 7 December prior to a domestic match against Saracens including domestic clashes through the Christmas season

The world champions overwhelmed their opponents throughout the contest that became unbalanced from the start

Steve Tandy's reign has started with multiple significant losses against top-tier nations alongside a late triumph against Japan

Wales have lost numerous losses in current form yet Erasmus tried to offer some comfort

"In my opinion that we have been building and advancing, this represented a controlled performance," he stated

"The Welsh are not a team that give up yield to pressure, they compete throughout. This represented one of the really clinical performances with our team displaying our soul out on the game"

"Wales have a quality leader and will rebound. We know it can change as demonstrated in 1998 we overcame them (comprehensively) and then lost the following year"

South Africa end the calendar as the number one side having secured back-to-back Rugby Championship titles

The world champions have displayed their formidable depth and prowess however the manager recalled their previous lower ranking

"Our team faced comparable conditions with fans destroying merchandise, however the fans continue attending," he said

"The backing exists and the team demonstrates determination. Get one or two wins, build momentum and things will change

"I know that things changed from 2016, when we were nowhere, achieving global success. Anything is possible"

Associated subjects

• Wales national team
• Wales Rugby Union
• International rugby