'The optics were poor' - Erasmus discusses Eben Etzebeth dismissal

• Published
  44 minutes ago
• Over sixty responses

Springboks manager Rassie Erasmus admitted "the optics weren't great" after experienced second-row Eben Etzebeth was dismissed for making contact with an opponent's eye against Wales

South Africa's national team completed a perfect autumn series through overwhelming play at the Welsh capital netting 11 tries resulting in a 73-0 win

Nevertheless virtually the concluding moment of the annual campaign was Etzebeth, who crossed the concluding points being dismissed by referee the presiding official

The 34-year-old was shown a red card due to contact the eye area of Wales flanker Alex Mann via digital contact in a match-ending incident

"I don't know how to respond that won't be controversial. The appearance was poor and it was a proper sending-off," said Erasmus

"How it happened and why it happened, and if he was provoked, I am not sure, yet it's absolutely not the way we had hoped to finish the contest. In my view the visual impression was positive"

Etzebeth, who expanded his cap achievement through receiving cap number 141 during the match, looks certain to receive a prolonged period out

His Sharks team begin their European competition against the French side on Sunday, 7 December prior to a domestic match facing the London side including domestic clashes over the festive period

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

The new coach's tenure has begun following substantial reverses against top-tier nations alongside a late triumph facing the Brave Blossoms

The national side has experienced 21 of their last 23 Test matches however the manager sought to offer some comfort

"I believe our team has been developing and advancing, this demonstrated a controlled performance," he commented

"Wales are not a team who surrender easily yield to pressure, they fight until the end. This demonstrated one of the really clinical performances featuring our squad exhibiting total dedication"

"The team includes a quality leader and shall return. We understand it can change and in 1998 we beat them (comprehensively) then were defeated in 1999"

The national team end the calendar ranked first globally following victories in back-to-back Rugby Championship titles

South Africa's team have showcased their extensive squad strength and power but the coach referenced their previous lower ranking

"We were in that situation with fans destroying merchandise, but the Welsh people are here," he commented

"The encouragement continues and the team demonstrates determination. Get one or two wins, get on a roll and results will transform

"I'm aware that fortunes reversed starting from a low base in 2016, to 2019 when we won the World Cup. Potential remains unlimited"

Related topics

• Welsh Rugby
• National organization
• The sport