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

• Posted
  Recently published
• 63 Comments

South Africa head coach the national team coach conceded "the optics weren't great" in the wake of experienced second-row the towering player was sent off due to eye contact against Wales

South Africa's national team secured a perfect autumn series by going on the rampage in Cardiff registering eleven touchdowns during a comprehensive shutout

Yet nearly the last action of the annual campaign involved the lock forward, who went over the concluding points being dismissed by referee Luc Ramos

The 34-year-old was shown a dismissal due to contact the eye area of opponent the back-row forward using his thumb in a match-ending incident

"I don't know what I can say that avoids controversy. The appearance was poor making it a proper sending-off," commented the coach

"The manner it occurred and the reasons behind it, and if he was provoked, I cannot confirm, but it's definitely not how we had hoped to conclude the match. In my view it appeared favorable"

The second-row forward, who extended his cap achievement through receiving a 141st cap in Wales, seems destined to face a prolonged period out

His Sharks team commence their continental tournament against the French side early December prior to a domestic match facing the London side plus local rivalries during the holidays

The top-ranked team overpowered Wales during the match which proved lopsided from the off

Steve Tandy's reign has begun with three heavy autumn defeats versus leading rugby powers and a last-gasp win facing the Brave Blossoms

Wales have lost multiple defeats in recent games but the coach attempted to give reassurance

"I feel that we have been building and advancing, this was a disciplined display," he said

"Wales are not players that just roll over accept defeat, they battle continuously. This represented a remarkably efficient showing and us putting maximum commitment"

"Wales have a quality leader and will rebound. We understand fortunes can reverse and in 1998 we overcame them (96-13) and then lost soon after"

South Africa conclude the season top of world rugby following victories in consecutive southern hemisphere crowns

The world champions have demonstrated their extensive squad strength and capability however the manager recalled their previous lower ranking

"Our team faced comparable conditions and supporters expressing anger, yet Welsh supporters remain," he noted

"The encouragement continues and the players have the fight. Achieve early successes, build momentum and things will change

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

Connected themes

• Wales national team
• National organization
• International rugby