'The optics were poor' - Erasmus discusses Etzebeth dismissal

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South Africa leader Rassie Erasmus admitted "the optics weren't great" in the wake of veteran forward Eben Etzebeth was dismissed for an eye gouge in the match with Wales

The Springboks achieved a perfect autumn series through overwhelming play in Cardiff to score eleven touchdowns during a comprehensive shutout

Yet nearly the last action of the international year featured the veteran player, who went over for the final score being dismissed from the official Luc Ramos

The 34-year-old received a sending-off due to contact the facial region of opponent the back-row forward via digital contact in a match-ending incident

"It's difficult to say what I can say without causing debate. The visual was unfavorable therefore it became a legitimate dismissal," stated the manager

"How it happened and the reasons behind it, and if he was provoked, I cannot confirm, yet it's absolutely not the manner we preferred to conclude the match. I don't think the visual impression was positive"

Etzebeth, who extended his cap achievement when winning his 141st appearance in Wales, appears likely to be given a lengthy ban

His Sharks team begin their Champions Cup campaign in France early December followed by a home fixture facing the London side plus local rivalries through the Christmas season

The top-ranked team overwhelmed their opponents throughout the contest that was one-sided from the beginning

The current management's period has commenced following substantial reverses to South Africa, New Zealand and Argentina plus a narrow victory against Japan

Wales have lost 21 of their last 23 Test matches however the manager sought to offer some comfort

"I believe that we have been building and advancing, this was a disciplined display," he stated

"The Welsh team are not guys that just roll over accept defeat, they fight until the end. This demonstrated a remarkably efficient showing with our team displaying total dedication"

"The team includes a great coach and will come back. We understand it can change and in 1998 we overcame them (96-13) and then lost soon after"

The national team finish the year top of world rugby following victories in successive tournament wins

South Africa's team have displayed their extensive squad strength and power however the manager recalled their previous lower ranking

"We experienced similar circumstances and supporters expressing anger, yet Welsh supporters remain," he noted

"The encouragement continues and the players have the fight. Achieve early successes, get on a roll and things will change

"I recognize that things changed from 2016, when we were nowhere, achieving global success. Potential remains unlimited"

Associated subjects

• Wales national team
• Wales Rugby Union
• International rugby