'It appeared unfavorable' - Erasmus reacts to Eben Etzebeth sending off

• Posted
  Recently published
• Over sixty responses

Springboks leader Rassie Erasmus admitted "the optics weren't great" in the wake of legendary lock Eben Etzebeth was sent off for an eye gouge against Wales

The Springboks secured an autumn clean sweep through overwhelming play at the Welsh capital registering multiple scores in a 73-0 win

Yet almost the final act of the international year was Etzebeth, who crossed the last try getting sent off through the decision of the presiding official

The experienced player was given a dismissal due to contact the facial region of the Welsh player Alex Mann with his thumb in a 79th-minute scuffle

"I'm uncertain how to respond that won't be controversial. The visual was unfavorable therefore it became a legitimate dismissal," commented the coach

"The manner it occurred and what prompted it, and if he was provoked, I cannot confirm, yet it's absolutely not the way that we would have liked to conclude the match. I don't think that the optics were great"

Etzebeth, who extended his cap achievement when winning cap number 141 in Cardiff, appears likely to face an extended suspension

His club side start their Champions Cup campaign in France this coming weekend followed by a home fixture against Saracens including domestic clashes through the Christmas season

The top-ranked team dominated the Welsh in a fixture which proved lopsided from the beginning

The current management's period has begun with three heavy autumn defeats to South Africa, New Zealand and Argentina and a last-gasp win versus the Asian side

The national side has experienced 21 of their last 23 Test matches however the manager sought to provide encouragement

"In my opinion our team has been developing and building up, this demonstrated a controlled performance," he commented

"The Welsh team are not guys who surrender easily accept defeat, they fight until the end. This represented a remarkably efficient showing and us putting maximum commitment"

"The Welsh possess a great coach and shall return. We understand it can change and in 1998 we beat them (comprehensively) then were defeated soon after"

South Africa end the calendar top of world rugby having secured successive tournament wins

The world champions have displayed their impressive resources and prowess yet Erasmus pointed to their previous lower ranking

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

"The backing exists with the squad showing spirit. Secure initial victories, create a streak 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
• The governing body
• The sport