Eben Etzebeth has secured back-to-back global titles with South Africa
South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus acknowledged "the visual impression was poor" after legendary lock Eben Etzebeth was sent off for an eye gouge against Wales
The Springboks completed a perfect autumn series by going on the rampage at the Welsh capital to score multiple scores resulting in a 73-0 win
Yet nearly the last action of the Test season featured the veteran player, who went over the last try being dismissed from the official the presiding official
The experienced player received a red card for touching with the left eye of Wales flanker Alex Mann with his thumb in a match-ending incident
"It's difficult to say what to comment without causing debate. The appearance was poor making it a legitimate dismissal," said Erasmus
"The manner it occurred and the reasons behind it, whether there was provocation, it's unclear, but it's definitely not how that we would have liked to end the game. In my view that the optics were great"
Etzebeth, who extended his Springboks record through receiving cap number 141 in Cardiff, appears likely to receive a lengthy ban
His Sharks team start their European competition against the French side this coming weekend followed by a home fixture facing the London side and South African derbies through the Christmas season
The world champions overwhelmed their opponents in a fixture which proved lopsided from the start
Steve Tandy's reign has commenced with multiple significant losses against top-tier nations plus a narrow victory against Japan
The Welsh team has suffered numerous losses in current form yet Erasmus tried to give reassurance
"I feel that we have been building and improving, this represented a disciplined display," he said
"Wales are not guys that just roll over yield to pressure, they compete throughout. This demonstrated one of the really clinical performances and us putting maximum commitment"
"The team includes a great coach and will rebound. We recognize it can change and in 1998 we overcame them (comprehensively) and then lost in 1999"
South Africa finish the year ranked first globally after winning successive tournament wins
South Africa's team have displayed their extensive squad strength and capability however the manager recalled when they were ranked sixth
"We were in that situation and people were burning jerseys, yet Welsh supporters remain," he noted
"The backing exists and the players have the fight. Secure initial victories, create a streak and results will transform
"I'm aware that fortunes reversed from 2016, when we were nowhere, to 2019 when we won the World Cup. Potential remains unlimited"
Lena Hoffmann is a seasoned journalist with a passion for uncovering stories that matter, specializing in German current affairs and digital media trends.
