'The optics were poor' - Springboks coach on Eben Etzebeth dismissal

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Springboks head coach the national team coach acknowledged "the visual impression was poor" in the wake of legendary lock the towering player received a red card for making contact with an opponent's eye in the match with Wales

The Springboks completed an autumn clean sweep by going on the rampage in Cardiff to score 11 tries during a comprehensive shutout

However almost the final act of the international year was Etzebeth, who scored the last try receiving a red card through the decision of the match referee

The veteran forward received a sending-off for touching the eye area of the Welsh player the back-row forward via digital contact in a 79th-minute scuffle

"I'm uncertain how to respond without causing debate. It didn't look good therefore it became a legitimate dismissal," stated the manager

"The manner it occurred and why it happened, and if he was provoked, I am not sure, but it's definitely not how that we would have liked to conclude the match. I don't think the visual impression was positive"

The experienced player, who increased his Springboks record through receiving his 141st appearance during the match, looks certain to receive a lengthy ban

His domestic franchise begin their continental tournament against the French side early December prior to a domestic match against Saracens plus local rivalries during the holidays

The reigning titleholders overpowered Wales in a fixture that became unbalanced from the beginning

Steve Tandy's reign has begun with multiple significant losses versus leading rugby powers plus a narrow victory against Japan

The national side has experienced 21 of their last 23 Test matches however the manager sought to offer some comfort

"In my opinion our team has been developing and advancing, this represented a controlled performance," he said

"The Welsh team are not a team who surrender easily and take the shots, they compete throughout. This represented an exceptionally precise display featuring our squad exhibiting total dedication"

"The team includes a great coach and will come back. We understand situations can transform as demonstrated in 1998 we beat them (96-13) and then lost in 1999"

The Springboks conclude the season top of world rugby after winning successive tournament wins

The Springboks have showcased their extensive squad strength and power yet Erasmus pointed to when they were ranked sixth

"We were in that situation and supporters expressing anger, but the Welsh people are here," he commented

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

"I know that fortunes reversed starting from a low base in 2016, to 2019 when we won the World Cup. All outcomes are achievable"

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• Wales national team
• The governing body
• International rugby