'It appeared unfavorable' - Erasmus on Eben Etzebeth sending off

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South Africa manager Rassie Erasmus conceded "the optics weren't great" after legendary lock Eben Etzebeth received a red card for an eye gouge in the match with Wales

The Springboks achieved a flawless end-of-year tour with a dominant performance at the Welsh capital to score eleven touchdowns during a 73-0 win

Yet nearly the last action of the international year involved the lock forward, who went over the concluding points being dismissed from the official the presiding official

The veteran forward was shown a sending-off for making contact with the left eye of the Welsh player the back-row forward using his thumb in a 79th-minute scuffle

"It's difficult to say what I can say without causing debate. The visual was unfavorable making it a legitimate dismissal," stated the manager

"The manner it occurred and what prompted it, if he was instigated, I am not sure, but it's definitely not how we preferred to end the game. I don't think it appeared favorable"

The second-row forward, who extended his Springboks record by earning his 141st appearance in Cardiff, appears likely to be given an extended suspension

His domestic franchise begin their Champions Cup campaign in France on Sunday, 7 December before a home game facing the London side including domestic clashes through the Christmas season

The reigning titleholders dominated the Welsh during the match that was one-sided from the off

The new coach's tenure has commenced with multiple significant losses versus leading rugby powers alongside a late triumph against Japan

The Welsh team has suffered multiple defeats in recent games yet Erasmus tried to provide encouragement

"I feel our team has been developing and improving, this was a measured showing," he stated

"The Welsh team are not guys that just roll over yield to pressure, they compete throughout. This represented an exceptionally precise display and us putting total dedication"

"Wales have a great coach and will rebound. We recognize it can change and in 1998 we defeated them (by a huge margin) and then lost in 1999"

The national team end the calendar ranked first globally having secured back-to-back Rugby Championship titles

The Springboks have demonstrated their extensive squad strength and prowess yet Erasmus pointed to their former position

"We were in that situation and supporters expressing anger, yet Welsh supporters remain," 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 know that situations transformed starting from a low base in 2016, achieving global success. Potential remains unlimited"

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