'It didn't look good' - Erasmus on Eben Etzebeth dismissal

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Springboks leader Rassie Erasmus conceded "the optics weren't great" following legendary lock Eben Etzebeth was dismissed for an eye gouge against Wales

South Africa's national team completed an autumn clean sweep by going on the rampage during the match netting eleven touchdowns resulting in a 73-nil victory

Nevertheless almost the final act of the annual campaign was Etzebeth, who crossed the last try being dismissed by referee the match referee

The veteran forward received a sending-off for touching the facial region of the Welsh player the back-row forward using his thumb during late-game altercation

"It's difficult to say what I can say that won't be controversial. The appearance was poor therefore it became a proper sending-off," stated the manager

"How it happened and what prompted it, if he was instigated, I am not sure, but it's definitely not the way we had hoped to end the game. I don't think the visual impression was positive"

The experienced player, who extended his cap achievement when winning cap number 141 in Wales, looks certain to be given a lengthy ban

His domestic franchise begin their Champions Cup campaign against the French side early December before a home game against Saracens and South African derbies over the festive period

The reigning titleholders dominated the Welsh in a fixture which proved lopsided from the beginning

The current management's period has begun with multiple significant losses to South Africa, New Zealand and Argentina and a last-gasp win facing the Brave Blossoms

Wales have lost numerous losses in current form but the coach attempted to offer some comfort

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

"The Welsh team are not guys that just roll over yield to pressure, they battle continuously. This demonstrated one of the really clinical performances and us putting our soul out on the game"

"Wales have a quality leader and will come back. We recognize situations can transform as demonstrated in 1998 we beat them (by a huge margin) and then lost in 1999"

South Africa conclude the season as the number one side after winning back-to-back Rugby Championship titles

South Africa's team have demonstrated their formidable depth and power but the coach referenced when they were ranked sixth

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

"The encouragement continues and the team demonstrates determination. Achieve early successes, create a streak and circumstances will improve

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

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• Wales national team
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