South Africa v Wales LIVE rugby: Result and reaction as Damian Willemse kicks Springboks to last-gasp win
Follow reaction from the first Test of Wales’ summer tour as the Springboks break Welsh hearts
Full back Damian Willemse kicked a pressure penalty after the hooter to secure South Africa rugby a 32-29 victory over ill-disciplined Wales rugby in a see-saw test at a raucous Loftus Versfeld.
Louis Rees-Zammit crossed twice in the first half to put Wales in control and Dewi Lake also crossed to seemingly snatch a draw late on for the tourists, who came agonisingly close to their first-ever victory on South African soil.
They ran the world champions so close but paid the price for their cynical play in their own 22 as they lost four players to yellow cards and conceded a penalty try.
The Springboks might have won by a greater margin but for their own lacklustre play as their tactical kicking was abysmal and decision-making in key phases of play unusually poor. Hookers Bongi Mbonambi and Malcolm Marx, and wing Cheslin Kolbe, crossed for tries for the home side. The second of three tests will be played in Bloemfontein next Saturday with Wales still in search of a first win in South Africa after 11 attempts.
Follow all the reaction below with our live blog:
Australia 9-11 England, 59 minutes
But that’s not great game management from Australia. They throw the lineout quickly and punt a long clearance right to an English catcher, and Freddie Steward replies with a more contestable kick.
Noah Lolesio can’t handle the high hoist, and Australia are then penalised at the ruck.
Australia 9-11 England, 58 minutes
England are beginning to assert themselves on the contest and are still winning a majority of collisions, but Australia are clinging on gamely. Mako Vunipola replaces Ellis Genge as England launch their latest attack from on halfway, one that ends with Maro Itoje failing to grasp a lasered wide pass from Marcus Smith.
Australia 9-11 England, 56 minutes
A vital intervention from Michael Hooper! England move ever nearer to the Australian line and are only a metre or so from it as a carrier gets a little isolated. Hooper is remarkably quick to the carrion, picking at the bits at the ruck and earning a crucial holding on penalty.
Australia 9-11 England, 55 minutes
From inside the Australia 22, England play, Jack Nowell attacking the space inside his ex-Exeter colleague Nic White. Ellis Genge carries firmly, and Billy Vunipola has a hint of space on the right.
He’s handled by Cadeyrn Neville, but Australia can only smother the ball into touch. England will go again from five out.
Australia 9-11 England, 54 minutes
Double switch for Australia - Angus Bell has had a solid 50 minutes and gets a warm farewell from his replacement Scott Sio, while the need for an extra specialist second row sees Rob Leota sacrificed as Matt Philip arrives.
Marika Koroibete is decisively handled by Lewis Ludlam, who has had an impactful first 15 miutes on the pitch, and earns England a penalty.
Australia 9-11 England, 52 minutes
Two majestic high takes from Freddie Steward, first from the restart and then Nic White’s skyward box. Andrew Kellaway perfoms catching duties similarly strongly, but is thumped by Joe Cokanasiga as he touches down.
England try to counter-ruck, initially legitimately through Lewis Ludlam, but rather less so as Jonny Hill and Ellis Genge enter through the side door.
TRY! Australia 9-11 ENGLAND (Ellis Genge try, 50 minutes)
A long pause...and try given! This time England get moving, Australian bodies falling away as England produce a sustained effort. Ellis Genge and Lewis Ludlam go over with the ball in the loosehead’s hands, and after a protracted inspection from James Doleman, the referee spots a grounded ball between the bodies and is content to award the score.
The conversion slides by.
Australia 9-6 England, 48 minutes
England’s maul doesn’t quite set up right, with Ellis Genge doing very well to keep hold of the ball and transfer to Jamie George. Michael Hooper enters the maul incorrectly - England will have another go after another kick to the corner.
Australia 9-6 England, 46 minutes
A hint of space for England as Billy Vunipola lays a good platform with a first-phase carry, and Danny Care is prevented from exploiting it by a stray Australian limb. Advantage coming then, with Owen Farrell the chief illustrator, painting something jaunty down the right with a little right-footed prod...
That hopes invitingly for Jack Nowell! Andrew Kellaway misjudges it and suddenly England are eyeing further inroads. Australia penalised again...and Lewis Ludlam is forced into touch, so back referee James Doleman will come.
And England opt for the corner!
Australia 9-6 England, 44 minutes
Jonny Hill is back on.
Freddie Steward claims Nic White’s box kick near the right touchline, and does well to keep his limbs infield. Marcus Smith twice takes on the line but can’t find a half-gap, and on the second occasion loses control of the ball.
Andrew Kellaway kicks up the right-hand side and Owen Farrell shepherds it into touch.
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