'It appeared unfavorable' - Springboks coach reacts to Etzebeth sending off

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Springboks head coach the national team coach conceded "the optics weren't great" after veteran forward the towering player was sent off due to eye contact versus the Welsh team

The Springboks secured an autumn clean sweep with a dominant performance at the Welsh capital netting 11 tries in a comprehensive shutout

Yet nearly the last action of the international year was Etzebeth, who went over for the final score getting sent off by referee the match referee

The veteran forward received a dismissal for touching the eye area of Wales flanker the back-row forward via digital contact during late-game altercation

"I'm uncertain what I can say that avoids controversy. It didn't look good making it a legitimate dismissal," said Erasmus

"The way it unfolded and what prompted it, and if he was provoked, it's unclear, but it's definitely not the manner we had hoped to finish the contest. In my view that the optics were great"

The second-row forward, who increased his Springboks record through receiving cap number 141 in Cardiff, looks certain to face an extended suspension

His Sharks team begin their Champions Cup campaign at Toulouse this coming weekend followed by a home fixture facing the London side plus local rivalries through the Christmas season

The world champions overpowered Wales in a fixture that was one-sided from the start

Steve Tandy's reign has started with multiple significant losses versus leading rugby powers alongside a late triumph facing the Brave Blossoms

The Welsh team has suffered numerous losses in current form but the coach attempted to offer some comfort

"I believe that we have been building and improving, this demonstrated a controlled performance," he said

"Wales are not players that give up and take the shots, they battle continuously. This demonstrated an exceptionally precise display and us putting our soul out on the game"

"The team includes an excellent manager and shall return. We know it can change like the 1998 example we defeated them (96-13) then were defeated the following year"

The national team end the calendar ranked first globally following victories in consecutive southern hemisphere crowns

The Springboks have demonstrated their extensive squad strength and power however the manager recalled their former position

"We experienced similar circumstances and supporters expressing anger, yet Welsh supporters remain," he said

"The backing exists with the squad showing spirit. Secure initial victories, build momentum and circumstances will improve

"I know that fortunes reversed from our previous struggles, culminating in the 2019 championship. Anything is possible"

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