'It didn't look good' - Erasmus reacts to Eben Etzebeth red card

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South Africa manager Rassie Erasmus acknowledged "the optics weren't great" in the wake of veteran forward Eben Etzebeth was sent off for making contact with an opponent's eye versus the Welsh team

The Springboks secured a perfect autumn series by going on the rampage during the match netting multiple scores in a comprehensive shutout

However almost the final act of the annual campaign was Etzebeth, who went over for the final score being dismissed by referee the match referee

The experienced player was shown a red card for touching the eye area of the Welsh player the back-row forward using his thumb during late-game altercation

"It's difficult to say what I can say without causing debate. It didn't look good and it was a justified red card," said Erasmus

"How it happened and why it happened, if he was instigated, I cannot confirm, but it's definitely not the manner we preferred to conclude the match. I don't think the visual impression was positive"

Etzebeth, who increased his Springboks record when winning cap number 141 in Wales, appears likely to face an extended suspension

His domestic franchise commence their continental tournament in France this coming weekend prior to a domestic match facing the London side plus local rivalries over the festive period

The reigning titleholders dominated the Welsh during the match which proved lopsided from the start

The new coach's tenure has commenced following substantial reverses against top-tier nations plus a narrow victory versus the Asian side

Wales have lost multiple defeats in recent games but the coach attempted to give reassurance

"I feel our team has been developing and advancing, this represented a disciplined display," he stated

"The Welsh team are not a team that just roll over yield to pressure, they battle continuously. This demonstrated one of the really clinical performances with our team displaying maximum commitment"

"Wales have a quality leader and will come back. We understand situations can transform like the 1998 example we beat them (by a huge margin) then were defeated the following year"

South Africa finish the year top of world rugby having secured back-to-back Rugby Championship titles

The world champions have demonstrated their impressive resources and prowess yet Erasmus pointed to when they were ranked sixth

"We experienced similar circumstances and people were burning jerseys, yet Welsh supporters remain," he commented

"The encouragement continues with the squad showing spirit. Secure initial victories, create a streak and things will change

"I recognize that things changed from 2016, when we were nowhere, to 2019 when we won the World Cup. All outcomes are achievable"

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