'The optics were poor' - Erasmus reacts to Etzebeth dismissal

• Published
  Less than an hour ago
• Over sixty responses

South Africa leader Rassie Erasmus conceded "the optics weren't great" after veteran forward the towering player was sent off for making contact with an opponent's eye in the match with Wales

The Springboks completed a flawless end-of-year tour through overwhelming play in Cardiff netting eleven touchdowns during a 73-nil victory

Yet virtually the concluding moment of the annual campaign featured the veteran player, who scored the last try being dismissed through the decision of the presiding official

The 34-year-old was given a red card for making contact with the left eye of the Welsh player Alex Mann with his thumb during late-game altercation

"I don't know how to respond that won't be controversial. The visual was unfavorable therefore it became a justified red card," stated the manager

"The manner it occurred and the reasons behind it, and if he was provoked, it's unclear, but it's definitely not how we had hoped to conclude the match. I believe it appeared favorable"

The experienced player, who increased his cap achievement by earning a 141st cap in Cardiff, looks certain to face a lengthy ban

His domestic franchise begin their Champions Cup campaign at Toulouse this coming weekend followed by a home fixture facing the London side and South African derbies through the Christmas season

The reigning titleholders overpowered Wales during the match which proved lopsided from the off

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

The national side has experienced 21 of their last 23 Test matches but the coach attempted to offer some comfort

"In my opinion that we have been building and building up, this represented a controlled performance," he stated

"The Welsh team are not players that give up yield to pressure, they compete throughout. This demonstrated an exceptionally precise display and us putting maximum commitment"

"The team includes a quality leader and shall return. We understand it can change like the 1998 example we overcame them (comprehensively) then were defeated the following year"

The national team conclude the season ranked first globally having secured consecutive southern hemisphere crowns

The world champions have displayed their formidable depth and capability however the manager recalled when they were ranked sixth

"Our team faced comparable conditions and people were burning jerseys, yet Welsh supporters remain," he commented

"The backing exists and the team demonstrates determination. Get one or two wins, get on a roll and circumstances will improve

"I know that things changed starting from a low base in 2016, culminating in the 2019 championship. Potential remains unlimited"

Connected themes

• Wales national team
• Wales Rugby Union
• International rugby