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

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Springboks head coach the national team coach conceded "it didn't appear favorable" in the wake of legendary lock the towering player was dismissed for an eye gouge versus the Welsh team

South Africa's national team achieved a perfect autumn series through overwhelming play during the match to score 11 tries during a 73-0 win

Yet almost the final act of the international year was Etzebeth, who went over the concluding points being dismissed through the decision of the match referee

The experienced player was given a dismissal due to contact with the left eye of opponent Alex Mann via digital contact in a 79th-minute scuffle

"It's difficult to say what I can say without causing debate. It didn't look good therefore it became a legitimate dismissal," stated the manager

"How it happened and why it happened, whether there was provocation, it's unclear, yet it's absolutely not how we preferred to end the game. I don't think the visual impression was positive"

The experienced player, who extended his cap achievement by earning his 141st appearance in Cardiff, appears likely to receive an extended suspension

His Sharks team start their European competition against the French side this coming weekend before a home game against Saracens plus local rivalries through the Christmas season

The world champions overpowered Wales in a fixture that was one-sided from the start

The current management's period has started with three heavy autumn defeats to South Africa, New Zealand and Argentina and a last-gasp win versus the Asian side

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

"I believe the squad has been progressing and building up, this was a controlled performance," he commented

"The Welsh are not players that give up and take the shots, they battle continuously. This was an exceptionally precise display with our team displaying total dedication"

"The Welsh possess an excellent manager and shall return. We know fortunes can reverse and in 1998 we beat them (by a huge margin) subsequently fell the following year"

The Springboks end the calendar top of world rugby having secured back-to-back Rugby Championship titles

South Africa's team have showcased their impressive resources and power yet Erasmus pointed to their former position

"We were in that situation with fans destroying merchandise, however the fans continue attending," he commented

"There is the support with the squad showing spirit. Get one or two wins, build momentum and things will change

"I know that fortunes reversed from 2016, when we were nowhere, achieving global success. Potential remains unlimited"

Associated subjects

• Rugby in Wales
• The governing body
• International rugby