'It didn't look good' - Erasmus on Etzebeth red card

• Released
  44 minutes ago
• Numerous reactions

South Africa manager the national team coach conceded "the optics weren't great" after experienced second-row the towering player was dismissed for an eye gouge versus the Welsh team

South Africa's national team secured a perfect autumn series with a dominant performance during the match netting multiple scores during a 73-0 win

However almost the final act of the Test season featured the veteran player, who went over the concluding points being dismissed from the official the match referee

The veteran forward was shown a red card for touching with the left eye of Wales flanker Alex Mann with his thumb in a 79th-minute scuffle

"It's difficult to say what to comment without causing debate. The visual was unfavorable making it a proper sending-off," stated the manager

"How it happened and what prompted it, and if he was provoked, it's unclear, however it's certainly not the manner we had hoped to end the game. In my view that the optics were great"

The experienced player, who increased his cap achievement by earning a 141st cap during the match, looks certain to be given a prolonged period out

His Sharks team commence their continental tournament against the French side on Sunday, 7 December before a home game facing the London side plus local rivalries during the holidays

The top-ranked team overwhelmed their opponents during the match that became unbalanced from the start

The new coach's tenure has started with multiple significant losses against top-tier nations plus a narrow victory versus the Asian side

Wales have lost multiple defeats in recent games yet Erasmus tried to provide encouragement

"I feel that we have been building and advancing, this represented a measured showing," he said

"Wales are not guys that give up yield to pressure, they fight until the end. This represented one of the really clinical performances with our team displaying maximum commitment"

"Wales have a great coach and will come back. We recognize fortunes can reverse like the 1998 example we overcame them (comprehensively) then were defeated soon after"

The national team end the calendar ranked first globally having secured back-to-back Rugby Championship titles

South Africa's team have showcased their formidable depth and capability yet Erasmus pointed to their former position

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

"There is the support with the squad showing spirit. Achieve early successes, get on a roll and results will transform

"I recognize that fortunes reversed from our previous struggles, culminating in the 2019 championship. All outcomes are achievable"

Associated subjects

• Rugby in Wales
• The governing body
• Rugby Union