'The optics were poor' - Erasmus discusses Etzebeth sending off

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Springboks leader the national team coach acknowledged "the optics weren't great" after experienced second-row the towering player was dismissed due to eye contact against Wales

The Springboks secured an autumn clean sweep by going on the rampage in Cardiff netting 11 tries in a comprehensive shutout

Yet nearly the last action of the international year involved the lock forward, who crossed the concluding points receiving a red card from the official the presiding official

The veteran forward received a dismissal for touching the eye area of Wales flanker the back-row forward using his thumb in a 79th-minute scuffle

"It's difficult to say what to comment that avoids controversy. It didn't look good making it a justified red card," said Erasmus

"The way it unfolded and why it happened, and if he was provoked, it's unclear, yet it's absolutely not the manner we had hoped to conclude the match. I believe it appeared favorable"

Etzebeth, who expanded his cap achievement when winning a 141st cap in Cardiff, looks certain to be given a prolonged period out

His domestic franchise commence their Champions Cup campaign at Toulouse early December prior to a domestic match facing the London side and South African derbies through the Christmas season

The top-ranked team overpowered Wales throughout the contest which proved lopsided from the start

The new coach's tenure has begun with three heavy autumn defeats versus leading rugby powers plus a narrow victory versus the Asian side

Wales have lost multiple defeats in recent games yet Erasmus tried to give reassurance

"In my opinion the squad has been progressing and improving, this represented a disciplined display," he commented

"The Welsh are not players that just roll over yield to pressure, they compete throughout. This demonstrated a remarkably efficient showing featuring our squad exhibiting maximum commitment"

"Wales have a quality leader and will come back. We know situations can transform like the 1998 example we overcame them (96-13) then were defeated soon after"

The national team end the calendar as the number one side after winning successive tournament wins

South Africa's team have showcased their extensive squad strength and prowess however the manager recalled their former position

"Our team faced comparable conditions and people were burning jerseys, but the Welsh people are here," he commented

"The encouragement continues and the team demonstrates determination. Get one or two wins, create a streak and things will change

"I'm aware that fortunes reversed starting from a low base in 2016, to 2019 when we won the World Cup. Potential remains unlimited"

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