'The optics were poor' - Springboks coach on Etzebeth red card

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Springboks leader Rassie Erasmus acknowledged "the visual impression was poor" in the wake of experienced second-row the towering player received a red card due to eye contact against Wales

The Springboks secured an autumn clean sweep through overwhelming play during the match registering 11 tries resulting in a 73-0 win

Yet nearly the last action of the annual campaign was Etzebeth, who went over the last try receiving a red card through the decision of the match referee

The 34-year-old was given a sending-off for touching the facial region of the Welsh player Alex Mann with his thumb in a match-ending incident

"I don't know what I can say that won't be controversial. The visual was unfavorable making it a legitimate dismissal," commented the coach

"How it happened and what prompted it, and if he was provoked, I am not sure, yet it's absolutely not the way we preferred to conclude the match. I believe it appeared favorable"

Etzebeth, who increased his cap achievement when winning his 141st appearance in Cardiff, looks certain to face a prolonged period out

His Sharks team begin their European competition against the French side this coming weekend followed by a home fixture versus the English club including domestic clashes through the Christmas season

The world champions overpowered Wales during the match which proved lopsided from the beginning

Steve Tandy's reign has started with multiple significant losses against top-tier nations alongside a late triumph facing the Brave Blossoms

Wales have lost 21 of their last 23 Test matches however the manager sought to provide encouragement

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

"The Welsh are not a team that give up yield to pressure, they battle continuously. This represented an exceptionally precise display and us putting total dedication"

"The Welsh possess a quality leader and will come back. We know situations can transform as demonstrated in 1998 we overcame them (by a huge margin) and then lost the following year"

The Springboks finish the year ranked first globally following victories in back-to-back Rugby Championship titles

The Springboks have showcased their formidable depth and capability however the manager recalled their previous lower ranking

"Our team faced comparable conditions with fans destroying merchandise, but the Welsh people are here," he said

"There is the support and the players have the fight. Achieve early successes, build momentum and circumstances will improve

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

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• Rugby in Wales
• National organization
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