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

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Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus acknowledged "the optics weren't great" following veteran forward the towering player received a red card for making contact with an opponent's eye versus the Welsh team

South Africa's national team achieved a flawless end-of-year tour by going on the rampage at the Welsh capital registering eleven touchdowns in a 73-nil victory

However nearly the last action of the annual campaign featured the veteran player, who crossed the last try getting sent off through the decision of the presiding official

The veteran forward received a red card due to contact with the left eye of opponent the back-row forward using his thumb during late-game altercation

"It's difficult to say what to comment without causing debate. It didn't look good making it a proper sending-off," said Erasmus

"How it happened and what prompted it, and if he was provoked, I cannot confirm, yet it's absolutely not the manner that we would have liked to conclude the match. I believe it appeared favorable"

The second-row forward, who expanded his national team milestone through receiving cap number 141 in Cardiff, appears likely to be given a lengthy ban

His domestic franchise start their Champions Cup campaign at Toulouse early December prior to a domestic match against Saracens plus local rivalries through the Christmas season

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

Steve Tandy's reign has begun following substantial reverses against top-tier nations alongside a late triumph facing the Brave Blossoms

Wales have lost 21 of their last 23 Test matches however the manager sought to offer some comfort

"I feel the squad has been progressing and advancing, this was a measured showing," he commented

"The Welsh are not guys that just roll over yield to pressure, they fight until the end. This was an exceptionally precise display with our team displaying maximum commitment"

"The Welsh possess an excellent manager and will rebound. We know fortunes can reverse as demonstrated in 1998 we overcame them (96-13) and then lost the following year"

The Springboks conclude the season top of world rugby having secured back-to-back Rugby Championship titles

South Africa's team have displayed their extensive squad strength and power yet Erasmus pointed to when they were ranked sixth

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

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

"I recognize that fortunes reversed from 2016, when we were nowhere, to 2019 when we won the World Cup. Potential remains unlimited"

Associated subjects

• Rugby in Wales
• The governing body
• Rugby Union