'The optics were poor' - Springboks coach reacts to Eben Etzebeth dismissal

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South Africa manager the national team coach admitted "it didn't appear favorable" after experienced second-row Eben Etzebeth was sent off due to eye contact versus the Welsh team

South Africa's national team achieved a flawless end-of-year tour with a dominant performance in Cardiff to score multiple scores resulting in a 73-nil victory

However nearly the last action of the annual campaign involved the lock forward, who went over for the final score being dismissed from the official the presiding official

The veteran forward was given a dismissal due to contact with the left eye of opponent the back-row forward with his thumb during late-game altercation

"It's difficult to say how to respond that avoids controversy. The visual was unfavorable making it a justified red card," commented the coach

"The manner it occurred and the reasons behind it, if he was instigated, I am not sure, yet it's absolutely not the manner we preferred to end the game. I believe the visual impression was positive"

The experienced player, who expanded his cap achievement through receiving a 141st cap during the match, appears likely to face a prolonged period out

His club side commence their European competition against the French side early December followed by a home fixture against Saracens plus local rivalries over the festive period

The top-ranked team overwhelmed their opponents during the match that was one-sided from the beginning

The new coach's tenure has commenced with three heavy autumn defeats versus leading rugby powers and a last-gasp win versus the Asian side

Wales have lost 21 of their last 23 Test matches but the coach attempted to offer some comfort

"In my opinion the squad has been progressing and advancing, this demonstrated a disciplined display," he commented

"The Welsh team are not players who surrender easily accept defeat, they fight until the end. This demonstrated one of the really clinical performances and us putting our soul out on the game"

"Wales have a quality leader and shall return. We understand fortunes can reverse and in 1998 we defeated them (by a huge margin) subsequently fell in 1999"

The national team end the calendar as the number one side having secured consecutive southern hemisphere crowns

The Springboks have demonstrated their extensive squad strength and power however the manager recalled when they were ranked sixth

"Our team faced comparable conditions with fans destroying merchandise, however the fans continue attending," he said

"The encouragement continues with the squad showing spirit. Achieve early successes, build momentum and circumstances will improve

"I know that things changed starting from a low base in 2016, achieving global success. Anything is possible"

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• Rugby in Wales
• National organization
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