'It didn't look good' - Springboks coach on Etzebeth dismissal

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Springboks leader Rassie Erasmus acknowledged "the optics weren't great" following experienced second-row Eben Etzebeth received a red card due to eye contact versus the Welsh team

The Springboks secured a flawless end-of-year tour through overwhelming play at the Welsh capital to score multiple scores in a 73-nil victory

However nearly the last action of the annual campaign featured the veteran player, who scored the last try receiving a red card through the decision of Luc Ramos

The experienced player received a red card for making contact the facial region of Wales flanker the back-row forward via digital contact during late-game altercation

"I'm uncertain what to comment without causing debate. The visual was unfavorable and it was a legitimate dismissal," commented the coach

"How it happened and why it happened, if he was instigated, it's unclear, but it's definitely not the manner that we would have liked to conclude the match. In my view it appeared favorable"

The second-row forward, who extended his national team milestone by earning his 141st appearance in Cardiff, seems destined to face a lengthy ban

His club side start their European competition at Toulouse on Sunday, 7 December prior to a domestic match against Saracens and South African derbies over the festive period

The world champions overwhelmed their opponents during the match that became unbalanced from the beginning

Steve Tandy's reign has started with multiple significant losses against top-tier nations and a last-gasp win against Japan

Wales have lost numerous losses in current form however the manager sought to offer some comfort

"I feel the squad has been progressing and improving, this represented a measured showing," he stated

"Wales are not guys that give up accept defeat, they compete throughout. This represented a remarkably efficient showing and us putting total dedication"

"The Welsh possess a quality leader and will come back. We understand fortunes can reverse like the 1998 example we beat them (96-13) subsequently fell soon after"

South Africa conclude the season as the number one side following victories in successive tournament wins

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

"We were in that situation and people were burning jerseys, but the Welsh people are here," he said

"The backing exists with the squad showing spirit. Get one or two wins, build momentum and results will transform

"I know that situations transformed from 2016, when we were nowhere, culminating in the 2019 championship. Potential remains unlimited"

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