'It appeared unfavorable' - Erasmus reacts to Eben Etzebeth red card

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Springboks manager the national team coach acknowledged "the optics weren't great" following veteran forward the towering player was sent off for an eye gouge versus the Welsh team

The Springboks achieved an autumn clean sweep through overwhelming play at the Welsh capital registering 11 tries during a 73-nil victory

However almost the final act of the annual campaign involved the lock forward, who crossed the concluding points being dismissed by referee the match referee

The 34-year-old was shown a dismissal for touching the facial region of opponent Alex Mann with his thumb during late-game altercation

"I'm uncertain what I can say without causing debate. It didn't look good and it was a proper sending-off," stated the manager

"The manner it occurred and what prompted it, and if he was provoked, I am not sure, yet it's absolutely not how we preferred to end the game. I believe that the optics were great"

Etzebeth, who increased his Springboks record through receiving his 141st appearance in Cardiff, looks certain to receive a prolonged period out

His domestic franchise start their continental tournament against the French side this coming weekend followed by a home fixture versus the English club and South African derbies over the festive period

The reigning titleholders overpowered Wales during the match that became unbalanced from the beginning

The current management's period has started with three heavy autumn defeats against top-tier nations and a last-gasp win facing the Brave Blossoms

The Welsh team has suffered 21 of their last 23 Test matches yet Erasmus tried to provide encouragement

"I feel the squad has been progressing and advancing, this represented a disciplined display," he said

"Wales are not players who surrender easily and take the shots, they battle continuously. This represented an exceptionally precise display featuring our squad exhibiting maximum commitment"

"The team includes a quality leader and will come back. We understand fortunes can reverse like the 1998 example we beat them (by a huge margin) subsequently fell in 1999"

The national team finish the year ranked first globally following victories in successive tournament wins

The world champions have showcased their impressive resources and power however the manager recalled when they were ranked sixth

"Our team faced comparable conditions and people were burning jerseys, however the fans continue attending," he commented

"The encouragement continues with the squad showing spirit. Achieve early successes, build momentum and results will transform

"I'm aware that fortunes reversed from 2016, when we were nowhere, culminating in the 2019 championship. Anything is possible"

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