'It appeared unfavorable' - Springboks coach discusses Eben Etzebeth sending off

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South Africa manager the national team coach conceded "the optics weren't great" after legendary lock Eben Etzebeth was dismissed for an eye gouge 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 almost the final act of the annual campaign featured the veteran player, who crossed the last try getting sent off by referee Luc Ramos

The 34-year-old was given a sending-off for making contact the eye area of Wales flanker the back-row forward with his thumb in a match-ending incident

"I don't know how to respond that avoids controversy. The appearance was poor therefore it became a justified red card," said Erasmus

"How it happened and what prompted it, and if he was provoked, I cannot confirm, but it's definitely not the way we preferred to finish the contest. In my view it appeared favorable"

The experienced player, who expanded his national team milestone through receiving cap number 141 in Cardiff, seems destined to receive a lengthy ban

His domestic franchise begin their Champions Cup campaign in France this coming weekend before a home game facing the London side and South African derbies during the holidays

The reigning titleholders overpowered Wales in a fixture which proved lopsided from the beginning

Steve Tandy's reign has begun following substantial reverses versus leading rugby powers plus a narrow victory versus the Asian side

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

"In my opinion the squad has been progressing and advancing, this demonstrated a disciplined display," he stated

"Wales are not players that just roll over yield to pressure, they battle continuously. This demonstrated one of the really clinical performances featuring our squad exhibiting our soul out on the game"

"Wales have a great coach and will come back. We recognize situations can transform like the 1998 example we overcame them (by a huge margin) and then lost the following year"

The Springboks conclude the season ranked first globally after winning successive tournament wins

South Africa's team have displayed their formidable depth and capability yet Erasmus pointed to when they were ranked sixth

"We were in that situation and people were burning jerseys, yet Welsh supporters remain," he said

"The encouragement continues and the players have the fight. Secure initial victories, create a streak and circumstances will improve

"I'm aware that situations transformed from our previous struggles, to 2019 when we won the World Cup. Potential remains unlimited"

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