'The optics were poor' - Springboks coach reacts to Eben Etzebeth red card

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Springboks leader the national team coach conceded "the optics weren't great" following legendary lock the towering player was sent off for an eye gouge versus the Welsh team

The Springboks achieved a perfect autumn series with a dominant performance at the Welsh capital to score 11 tries in a comprehensive shutout

However nearly the last action of the Test season involved the lock forward, who went over the last try being dismissed from the official Luc Ramos

The experienced player received a sending-off for making contact the facial region of Wales flanker the back-row forward via digital contact in a match-ending incident

"It's difficult to say what I can say that avoids controversy. It didn't look good making it a proper sending-off," said Erasmus

"The manner it occurred and why it happened, if he was instigated, it's unclear, yet it's absolutely not the way we preferred to finish the contest. I don't think it appeared favorable"

The experienced player, who expanded his national team milestone through receiving his 141st appearance during the match, appears likely to be given an extended suspension

His domestic franchise commence their continental tournament in France this coming weekend followed by a home fixture versus the English club and South African derbies during the holidays

The world champions dominated the Welsh throughout the contest which proved lopsided from the start

The new coach's tenure has begun with three heavy autumn defeats against top-tier nations alongside a late triumph facing the Brave Blossoms

The Welsh team has suffered multiple defeats in recent games however the manager sought to offer some comfort

"In my opinion that we have been building and building up, this was a disciplined display," he stated

"The Welsh are not guys that just roll over and take the shots, they compete throughout. This represented one of the really clinical performances featuring our squad exhibiting maximum commitment"

"The Welsh possess a great coach and shall return. We understand situations can transform as demonstrated in 1998 we overcame them (96-13) subsequently fell soon after"

The national team end the calendar ranked first globally after winning consecutive southern hemisphere crowns

South Africa's team have displayed their formidable depth and prowess but the coach referenced 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. Achieve early successes, get on a roll and results will transform

"I'm aware that things changed from 2016, when we were nowhere, to 2019 when we won the World Cup. Potential remains unlimited"

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