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

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Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus admitted "the optics weren't great" following experienced second-row Eben Etzebeth was sent off for making contact with an opponent's eye against Wales

The Springboks secured a perfect autumn series by going on the rampage during the match netting multiple scores resulting in a 73-nil victory

Yet virtually the concluding moment of the international year involved the lock forward, who went over the last try receiving a red card through the decision of the match referee

The veteran forward was given a red card due to contact the facial region of opponent Alex Mann using his thumb in a 79th-minute scuffle

"I don't know what I can say that avoids controversy. It didn't look good and it was a proper sending-off," stated the manager

"How it happened and what prompted it, and if he was provoked, I cannot confirm, however it's certainly not the way we had hoped to conclude the match. In my view it appeared favorable"

Etzebeth, who extended his Springboks record through receiving a 141st cap in Wales, seems destined to be given a prolonged period out

His club side begin their European competition at Toulouse early December followed by a home fixture facing the London side plus local rivalries during the holidays

The top-ranked team dominated the Welsh during the match which proved lopsided from the beginning

The current management's period has started following substantial reverses versus leading rugby powers plus a narrow victory facing the Brave Blossoms

The national side has experienced multiple defeats in recent games yet Erasmus tried to give reassurance

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

"The Welsh are not players who surrender easily accept defeat, they fight until the end. This demonstrated an exceptionally precise display featuring our squad exhibiting maximum commitment"

"Wales have an excellent manager and will come back. We understand situations can transform like the 1998 example we beat them (by a huge margin) subsequently fell soon after"

South Africa finish the year top of world rugby following victories in successive tournament wins

The Springboks have demonstrated their formidable depth and power however the manager recalled their previous lower ranking

"Our team faced comparable conditions and supporters expressing anger, yet Welsh supporters remain," he commented

"The backing exists and the team demonstrates determination. Secure initial victories, build momentum and results will transform

"I'm aware that situations transformed from 2016, when we were nowhere, achieving global success. Potential remains unlimited"

Associated subjects

• Wales national team
• National organization
• The sport