🔗 Share this article 'The optics were poor' - Erasmus discusses Etzebeth red card The veteran lock has won dual world championships for his nation PostedLess than an hour ago 63 Comments Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus acknowledged "the optics weren't great" after veteran forward Eben Etzebeth received a red card for an eye gouge versus the Welsh team South Africa's national team achieved an autumn clean sweep with a dominant performance at the Welsh capital registering 11 tries resulting in a comprehensive shutout However almost the final act of the annual campaign was Etzebeth, who crossed the last try receiving a red card from the official the match referee The experienced player received a red card due to contact with the left eye of opponent Alex Mann using his thumb in a match-ending incident "I don't know what to comment without causing debate. The visual was unfavorable making it a proper sending-off," stated the manager "The manner it occurred and the reasons behind it, if he was instigated, it's unclear, but it's definitely not the manner we had hoped to conclude the match. I don't think that the optics were great" The second-row forward, who increased his cap achievement through receiving a 141st cap in Cardiff, looks certain to face a lengthy ban His club side begin their Champions Cup campaign against the French side this coming weekend prior to a domestic match against Saracens plus local rivalries through the Christmas season The champions' measured intensity The reigning titleholders dominated the Welsh during the match that was one-sided from the off Steve Tandy's reign has commenced following substantial reverses to South Africa, New Zealand and Argentina alongside a late triumph facing the Brave Blossoms The Welsh team has suffered multiple defeats in recent games however the manager sought to offer some comfort "I feel that we have been building and advancing, this was a measured showing," he commented "Wales are not a team that give up and take the shots, they fight until the end. This represented a remarkably efficient showing with our team displaying our soul out on the game" "The team includes an excellent manager and will rebound. We understand situations can transform like the 1998 example we defeated them (comprehensively) then were defeated in 1999" The Springboks finish the year as the number one side following victories in back-to-back Rugby Championship titles The Springboks have demonstrated their extensive squad strength and power however the manager recalled when they were ranked sixth "Our team faced comparable conditions and supporters expressing anger, however the fans continue attending," he noted "The encouragement continues and the players have the fight. Secure initial victories, create a streak and results will transform "I know that things changed from 2016, when we were nowhere, achieving global success. All outcomes are achievable" Associated subjects Rugby in Wales Wales Rugby Union The sport