‘It didn’t look good’ – Erasmus on Etzebeth red card

After legendary lock Eben Etzebeth was sent off for an eye gouge against Wales, South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus said, “the optics weren’t great.”

In Cardiff, the Springboks scored 11 tries in a 73-0 victory, wrapping up an autumn clean sweep.

Etzebeth, who went over for the final score, was then dismissed by referee Luc Ramos, who was almost in the final act of the international year.

In a 79th-minute scuffle, the 34-year-old received a red card for striking with Alex Mann’s left eye with his thumb.

What can I say without being content to be debated. It was a justified red card, Erasmus said, and it didn’t look good.

I’m not sure how it happened or why it happened, but it’s definitely not how we would have liked to end the game. I’m also not sure if he was provoked. The optics weren’t great, in my opinion.

Etzebeth, who won the 141st cap in Cardiff, looks set to receive a lengthy suspension.

In a one-sided game, the world champions defeated Wales.

Steve Tandy’s reign began with a run-in with Japan and three devastating defeats in the fall to South Africa, New Zealand, and Argentina.

Despite losing 21 of their last 23 Test matches, Erasmus tried to comfort Wales.

He claimed that this performance was a controlled performance because “we have been building and building up.”

The Welsh “fight until the end,” not just roll over and take the shots. We put our souls into the game by doing this, which was one of the most effective performances.

“Wales have a great coach, and they will win.” We know it can change and in 1998 we beat them (96-13) and then lost in 1999. “

After capturing back-to-back Rugby Championship titles, South Africa came out on top of the world in the year.

Despite being ranked sixth, Erasmus pointed to the Springboks’ formidable depth and strength.

The Welsh people are present, he said, “but we were there and people were burning jerseys.”

The players have the fight, and there is support. Things will change if you get one or two wins and get moving.