'It didn't look good' - Erasmus on Etzebeth sending off

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South Africa manager the national team coach acknowledged "the optics weren't great" following experienced second-row the towering player received a red card for an eye gouge versus the Welsh team

South Africa's national team achieved an autumn clean sweep with a dominant performance during the match netting multiple scores in a comprehensive shutout

Yet almost the final act of the international year involved the lock forward, who crossed the last try getting sent off through the decision of the match referee

The 34-year-old received a red card for making contact with the left eye of Wales flanker Alex Mann with his thumb during late-game altercation

"I'm uncertain what to comment that won't be controversial. The visual was unfavorable therefore it became a proper sending-off," said Erasmus

"The manner it occurred and the reasons behind it, and if he was provoked, I am not sure, however it's certainly not the way that we would have liked to conclude the match. In my view the visual impression was positive"

Etzebeth, who extended his national team milestone by earning his 141st appearance in Cardiff, seems destined to be given an extended suspension

His Sharks team commence their continental tournament in France this coming weekend before a home game against Saracens plus local rivalries over the festive period

The world champions overwhelmed their opponents throughout the contest which proved lopsided from the start

Steve Tandy's reign has begun with multiple significant losses versus leading rugby powers plus a narrow victory against Japan

The Welsh team has suffered multiple defeats in recent games however the manager sought to offer some comfort

"I believe our team has been developing and building up, this represented a disciplined display," he stated

"Wales are not a team who surrender easily yield to pressure, they fight until the end. This was a remarkably efficient showing with our team displaying total dedication"

"The team includes a quality leader and shall return. We recognize it can change and in 1998 we overcame them (by a huge margin) subsequently fell in 1999"

The national team end the calendar top of world rugby having secured consecutive southern hemisphere crowns

The world champions have displayed their extensive squad strength and capability yet Erasmus pointed to when they were ranked sixth

"We experienced similar circumstances and supporters expressing anger, but the Welsh people are here," he said

"There is the support and the players have the fight. Get one or two wins, create a streak and things will change

"I recognize that things changed from 2016, when we were nowhere, culminating in the 2019 championship. All outcomes are achievable"

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