'The optics were poor' - Erasmus discusses Eben Etzebeth sending off

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South Africa leader the national team coach conceded "it didn't appear favorable" in the wake of veteran forward the towering player received a red card for making contact with an opponent's eye versus the Welsh team

The Springboks achieved an autumn clean sweep by going on the rampage at the Welsh capital netting 11 tries during a 73-0 win

However nearly the last action of the annual campaign was Etzebeth, who scored the concluding points getting sent off through the decision of the presiding official

The experienced player was shown a sending-off for touching with the left eye of the Welsh player Alex Mann via digital contact during late-game altercation

"I don't know how to respond without causing debate. It didn't look good making it a legitimate dismissal," said Erasmus

"The way it unfolded and why it happened, whether there was provocation, I am not sure, but it's definitely not how we had hoped to finish the contest. I don't think it appeared favorable"

The experienced player, who extended his national team milestone through receiving cap number 141 in Cardiff, seems destined to be given a lengthy ban

His club side begin their European competition against the French side on Sunday, 7 December before a home game against Saracens and South African derbies over the festive period

The top-ranked team overpowered Wales in a fixture that became unbalanced from the beginning

Steve Tandy's reign has begun following substantial reverses versus leading rugby powers alongside a late triumph against Japan

The Welsh team has suffered 21 of their last 23 Test matches however the manager sought to offer some comfort

"I believe that we have been building and building up, this was a measured showing," he said

"The Welsh are not a team that give up accept defeat, they fight until the end. This was an exceptionally precise display with our team displaying maximum commitment"

"Wales have a quality leader and shall return. We understand fortunes can reverse like the 1998 example we beat them (by a huge margin) and then lost the following year"

The Springboks conclude the season top of world rugby having secured back-to-back Rugby Championship titles

The Springboks have demonstrated their extensive squad strength and power but the coach referenced when they were ranked sixth

"We experienced similar circumstances and people were burning jerseys, yet Welsh supporters remain," he noted

"The backing exists and the team demonstrates determination. Get one or two wins, get on a roll and things will change

"I'm aware that fortunes reversed from 2016, when we were nowhere, to 2019 when we won the World Cup. Potential remains unlimited"

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