The South African national rugby team, the world champions, obliterated Wales with a score of 52-16 in Cardiff, marking Warren Gatland’s team’s worst defeat in history. Malcolm Marx initiated the onslaught by scoring the first of South Africa’s eight tries.
During the Nations Series match between Wales and South Africa, the scores were as follows:
Wales: 16 (Try: Parry, Conversion: C. Evans, Penalties: Costelow 3)
South Africa: 52 (Tries: Marx, Moodie 2, Penalty try, Kriel 2, Du Toit, Willemse, Conversions: Libbok 5)
The Welsh side, experimental and lacking experience, could not stand up to the powerful Springboks in this World Cup preparatory game. Key players like Jessie Kriel and Canan Moodie stood out with two tries each, while other scorers included Malcolm Marx, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Damien Willemse, and a penalty try.
For Wales, Sam Costelow managed to secure three penalties, and Sam Parry scored a late try as a mere consolation. This defeat was particularly humiliating for the host team in Cardiff, with South Africa showcasing an overwhelming performance that exposed Wales’ weaknesses.
Wales will be selecting their 33-man World Cup squad soon, and this defeat casts a shadow over their prospects in the upcoming tournament. The country’s ranking has dropped to a joint all-time low of 10th, and they will begin their campaign against Fiji on September 10th, with further group games against Portugal, Georgia, and Australia.
Wales’ inexperienced starting line-up, with only 235 caps and 39 international appearances in the backline, was further weakened by the loss of experienced British and Irish Lions players Alex Cuthbert, Dan Biggar, and Liam Williams, who were withdrawn as “precautionary measures.”
Contrarily, South Africa’s formidable team, boasting 659 caps and stars like Cheslin Kolbe, Damian de Allende, and captain Siya Kolisi, dominated the match. Kolisi made a successful return after a four-month break due to a knee injury.
South Africa is now preparing to face New Zealand next Friday in their final warm-up match at Twickenham.
Wales’ performance showed very few bright spots, with a porous defense and a disjointed attack. Only wing Rio Dyer and center Johnny Williams displayed any spark in a match filled with errors. Gatland, the Welsh coach, has some difficult decisions to make, especially considering the injuries sustained by some key players in previous matches.
In his post-match reflections, Gatland acknowledged South Africa’s prowess, admitting his team’s physical domination and the mistakes that led to soft tries. He vowed to fix the problems and expressed hope that the experience against the world champions would provide learning opportunities for his players.
The following were the starting line-ups:
Wales: C. Evans; Rogers, Grady, J. Williams, Dyer; Costelow, Hardy; Domachowski, Dee, Assiratti, Carter, Rowlands, Lydiate, Morgan (capt), Wainwright.
South Africa: Le Roux; Moodie, Kriel, de Allende, Kolbe; Libbok, J. Hendrikse; Kitshoff, Marx, Malherbe, Kleyn, Snyman, Kolisi (capt), du Toit, Wiese.
Officials for the match were referee Andrew Brace (IRFU), assistant referees Chris Busby (IRFU) and Eoghan Cross (IRFU), and TMO Joy Neville (IRFU).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about fokus keyword: Rugby
Who won the match between Wales and South Africa?
South Africa won the match against Wales, with a score of 52-16.
What was significant about this victory for South Africa over Wales?
This victory marked Wales’ worst defeat in history, with South Africa scoring eight tries in total, demonstrating their world champion status.
Who were some of the standout players for South Africa?
Jessie Kriel and Canan Moodie each scored two tries, and other significant contributors included Malcolm Marx, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Damien Willemse.
Where was the match played?
The match was played in Cardiff.
What was Wales’ coach, Warren Gatland’s reaction to the loss?
Warren Gatland acknowledged South Africa’s physical domination and expressed disappointment in the soft tries conceded by Wales. He promised to fix the problems and hopes that the experience will provide learning opportunities for his players.
Is this match part of a tournament or series?
Yes, this match was a part of the World Cup warm-up games, preparing the teams for the upcoming Rugby World Cup.
What’s next for South Africa after this victory?
South Africa will face New Zealand next Friday in their final warm-up match at Twickenham.
How did the injuries and inexperience affect Wales’ performance?
Wales’ performance was impacted by an inexperienced starting line-up and the loss of key players like Alex Cuthbert, Dan Biggar, and Liam Williams, which contributed to their defeat.
Who were the officials for the match?
The officials for the match were referee Andrew Brace (IRFU), assistant referees Chris Busby (IRFU) and Eoghan Cross (IRFU), and TMO Joy Neville (IRFU).
6 comments
This match clearly showed the difference in experience between the two sides. Wales needs to work on their defence and South Africa, well, they are looking like champions again.
Just started watching rugby. This match was so exciting, even though Wales lost. Looking forward to the world cup!
cant believe what i saw, wales needs to do better or they wont stand a chance in the world cup. where was the spirit guys?
Absolutely gutted about the loss. but let’s not forget we had many key players out, we’ll bounce back.
Can’t believe Wales lost that bad. it’s just not their year. Where’s the defence? Hope Gatland makes some serious changes.
South Africa was on fire! those tries from Kriel and Moodie were just wow. Bring on the world cup!