'It didn't look good' - Erasmus on Eben Etzebeth red card

• Released
  Less than an hour ago
• 63 Comments

South Africa manager Rassie Erasmus conceded "the optics weren't great" following experienced second-row Eben Etzebeth received a red card for making contact with an opponent's eye versus the Welsh team

South Africa's national team achieved a flawless end-of-year tour by going on the rampage at the Welsh capital registering eleven touchdowns during a 73-0 win

However nearly the last action of the Test season featured the veteran player, who went over the concluding points receiving a red card from the official the presiding official

The experienced player was given a dismissal for making contact the eye area of Wales flanker Alex Mann via digital contact in a 79th-minute scuffle

"I'm uncertain what I can say that avoids controversy. The appearance was poor making it a legitimate dismissal," commented the coach

"The way it unfolded and what prompted it, if he was instigated, I cannot confirm, yet it's absolutely not how we had hoped to end the game. I believe that the optics were great"

Etzebeth, who expanded his national team milestone through receiving his 141st appearance in Wales, looks certain to be given a prolonged period out

His Sharks team commence their continental tournament against the French side this coming weekend before a home game facing the London side plus local rivalries during the holidays

The world champions overpowered Wales during the match that became unbalanced from the beginning

The current management's period has commenced with multiple significant losses against top-tier nations alongside a late triumph against Japan

The national side has experienced numerous losses in current form however the manager sought to give reassurance

"I believe our team has been developing and improving, this represented a measured showing," he stated

"Wales are not players who surrender easily yield to pressure, they compete throughout. This represented an exceptionally precise display featuring our squad exhibiting maximum commitment"

"The team includes a quality leader and shall return. We understand fortunes can reverse and in 1998 we overcame them (comprehensively) and then lost in 1999"

South Africa finish the year as the number one side after winning consecutive southern hemisphere crowns

South Africa's team have showcased their formidable depth and capability however the manager recalled their former position

"We experienced similar circumstances with fans destroying merchandise, however the fans continue attending," he commented

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

"I'm aware that fortunes reversed from 2016, when we were nowhere, to 2019 when we won the World Cup. All outcomes are achievable"

Associated subjects

• Rugby in Wales
• The governing body
• Rugby Union