'The optics were poor' - Springboks coach on Etzebeth sending off

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Springboks leader the national team coach conceded "the visual impression was poor" following legendary lock the towering player was sent off due to eye contact in the match with Wales

South Africa's national team completed a flawless end-of-year tour with a dominant performance during the match registering eleven touchdowns resulting in a comprehensive shutout

Nevertheless nearly the last action of the annual campaign was Etzebeth, who went over the concluding points being dismissed from the official Luc Ramos

The experienced player was given a sending-off due to contact with the left eye of the Welsh player Alex Mann using his thumb during late-game altercation

"I'm uncertain what to comment without causing debate. It didn't look good making it a legitimate dismissal," said Erasmus

"How it happened and the reasons behind it, whether there was provocation, I cannot confirm, however it's certainly not the manner we had hoped to finish the contest. I believe it appeared favorable"

Etzebeth, who extended his cap achievement when winning his 141st appearance in Wales, looks certain to receive a prolonged period out

His club side commence their Champions Cup campaign against the French side early December before a home game facing the London side and South African derbies during the holidays

The reigning titleholders dominated the Welsh in a fixture that became unbalanced from the start

The current management's period has started with multiple significant losses 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 however the manager sought to provide encouragement

"I believe that we have been building and improving, this demonstrated a measured showing," he said

"Wales are not players that just roll over accept defeat, they battle continuously. This represented one of the really clinical performances with our team displaying our soul out on the game"

"The Welsh possess an excellent manager and will come back. We recognize situations can transform like the 1998 example we beat them (96-13) subsequently fell in 1999"

South Africa finish the year as the number one side following victories in consecutive southern hemisphere crowns

The world champions have displayed their extensive squad strength and capability but the coach referenced when they were ranked sixth

"We were in that situation and people were burning jerseys, yet Welsh supporters remain," he noted

"The encouragement continues and the players have the fight. Achieve early successes, create a streak and circumstances will improve

"I know that things changed from our previous struggles, achieving global success. All outcomes are achievable"

Associated subjects

• Wales national team
• Wales Rugby Union
• The sport