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

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Springboks leader the national team coach admitted "it didn't appear favorable" following veteran forward the towering player was sent off for making contact with an opponent's eye versus the Welsh team

The Springboks secured a flawless end-of-year tour through overwhelming play at the Welsh capital netting multiple scores during a 73-0 win

However nearly the last action of the international year featured the veteran player, who scored the concluding points getting sent off by referee the presiding official

The experienced player was given a dismissal due to contact the facial region of the Welsh player the back-row forward using his thumb in a match-ending incident

"It's difficult to say how to respond that won't be controversial. The visual was unfavorable making it a proper sending-off," said Erasmus

"The way it unfolded and what prompted it, and if he was provoked, I cannot confirm, however it's certainly not how that we would have liked to finish the contest. I believe it appeared favorable"

Etzebeth, who extended his national team milestone through receiving a 141st cap during the match, appears likely to be given a prolonged period out

His Sharks team commence their European competition against the French side on Sunday, 7 December prior to a domestic match facing the London side plus local rivalries over the festive period

The world champions overpowered Wales in a fixture that became unbalanced from the start

Steve Tandy's reign has begun following substantial reverses versus leading rugby powers and a last-gasp win versus the Asian side

The Welsh team has suffered numerous losses in current form but the coach attempted to give reassurance

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

"The Welsh team are not a team that just roll over accept defeat, they compete throughout. This demonstrated one of the really clinical performances and us putting maximum commitment"

"The Welsh possess an excellent manager and will come back. We understand it can change and in 1998 we beat them (96-13) subsequently fell soon after"

The Springboks conclude the season as the number one side having secured back-to-back Rugby Championship titles

South Africa's team have displayed their impressive resources and prowess but the coach referenced their previous lower ranking

"Our team faced comparable conditions and people were burning jerseys, but the Welsh people are here," he commented

"There is the support and the players have the fight. Get one or two wins, create a streak and results will transform

"I'm aware that things changed from our previous struggles, achieving global success. Potential remains unlimited"

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