'The optics were poor' - Erasmus reacts to Eben Etzebeth sending off

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Springboks head coach the national team coach conceded "the optics weren't great" in the wake of experienced second-row Eben Etzebeth was sent off for making contact with an opponent's eye against Wales

South Africa's national team secured an autumn clean sweep by going on the rampage at the Welsh capital registering 11 tries in a comprehensive shutout

Nevertheless virtually the concluding moment of the international year was Etzebeth, who went over the last try getting sent off by referee Luc Ramos

The veteran forward was shown a dismissal for making contact the facial region of opponent Alex Mann with his thumb in a 79th-minute scuffle

"I don't know how to respond that avoids controversy. It didn't look good therefore it became a legitimate dismissal," commented the coach

"The way it unfolded and the reasons behind it, whether there was provocation, it's unclear, yet it's absolutely not how we had hoped to end the game. I don't think it appeared favorable"

The second-row forward, who extended his national team milestone through receiving cap number 141 in Wales, appears likely to face a lengthy ban

His club side commence their Champions Cup campaign against the French side this coming weekend prior to a domestic match versus the English club and South African derbies through the Christmas season

The world champions overpowered Wales during the match that became unbalanced from the start

The current management's period has begun following substantial reverses versus leading rugby powers plus a narrow victory against Japan

The Welsh team has suffered multiple defeats in recent games but the coach attempted to give reassurance

"I believe our team has been developing and advancing, this demonstrated a disciplined display," he commented

"Wales are not a team who surrender easily yield to pressure, they compete throughout. This represented an exceptionally precise display and us putting total dedication"

"The Welsh possess a quality leader and shall return. We recognize fortunes can reverse like the 1998 example we overcame them (96-13) then were defeated in 1999"

The national team conclude the season ranked first globally after winning consecutive southern hemisphere crowns

The world champions have showcased their impressive resources and prowess however the manager recalled when they were ranked sixth

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

"The backing exists and the team demonstrates determination. Achieve early successes, get on a roll and things will change

"I recognize that situations transformed starting from a low base in 2016, achieving global success. All outcomes are achievable"

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