'It appeared unfavorable' - Erasmus on Etzebeth red card

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South Africa leader Rassie Erasmus acknowledged "the optics weren't great" following legendary lock the towering player was dismissed due to eye contact versus the Welsh team

South Africa's national team secured a perfect autumn series through overwhelming play at the Welsh capital registering eleven touchdowns in a 73-0 win

Yet nearly the last action of the international year involved the lock forward, who scored the last try getting sent off from the official the match referee

The 34-year-old received a dismissal due to contact the facial region of the Welsh player the back-row forward via digital contact in a match-ending incident

"It's difficult to say how to respond that won't be controversial. The visual was unfavorable therefore it became a justified red card," said Erasmus

"How it happened and why it happened, and if he was provoked, I am not sure, but it's definitely not the way that we would have liked to end the game. In my view the visual impression was positive"

The experienced player, who extended his Springboks record by earning his 141st appearance in Wales, seems destined to be given an extended suspension

His Sharks team start their Champions Cup campaign against the French side this coming weekend prior to a domestic match facing the London side including domestic clashes during the holidays

The top-ranked team dominated the Welsh during the match which proved lopsided from the off

The new coach's tenure has started with three heavy autumn defeats versus leading rugby powers and a last-gasp win facing the Brave Blossoms

The Welsh team has suffered numerous losses in current form however the manager sought to give reassurance

"In my opinion our team has been developing and building up, this was a controlled performance," he said

"Wales are not a team who surrender easily yield to pressure, they battle continuously. This was a remarkably efficient showing and us putting our soul out on the game"

"The Welsh possess a quality leader and will rebound. We understand fortunes can reverse and in 1998 we beat them (96-13) and then lost soon after"

The Springboks conclude the season ranked first globally following victories in consecutive southern hemisphere crowns

South Africa's team have demonstrated their extensive squad strength and power but the coach referenced their former position

"We were in that situation and supporters expressing anger, but the Welsh people are here," he noted

"The encouragement continues with the squad showing spirit. Secure initial victories, build momentum and things will change

"I know that things changed starting from a low base in 2016, culminating in the 2019 championship. Anything is possible"

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