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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

Harry Latham-Coyle
Saturday 02 July 2022 14:31 EDT
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(AFP via Getty Images)

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:

TRY! New Zealand 0-5 IRELAND (Keith Earls, 7 minutes)

And Keith Earls has the space to score in the right corner!

As soon as Karl Dickson’s arm goes out Johnny Sexton calls for the ball, setting up his backs for something more intricate outside him. An inside ball is well marked by New Zealand, but Hugo Keenan manages to fling an offload out to Earls.

Earls squares up Jordie Barrett and darts to the inside of the exposed full-back for the score. Patience and accuracy across many phases - a familiar Irish tale in the 22. Less accurate is Sexton’s conversion, but that’s a very good start for Andy Farrell’s side.

Harry Latham-Coyle2 July 2022 08:14

New Zealand 0-0 Ireland, 5 minutes

Fine continuity from Ireland, and excellent intensity in the carry, all three front-rowers prominent. Within five metres of the line now, can Robbie Henshaw get there? No, what a tackle from Scott Barrett! But the All Blacks infringe, and Ireland can play with the freedom of the advantage...

Harry Latham-Coyle2 July 2022 08:14

New Zealand 0-0 Ireland, 4 minutes

Solid lineout and exit from Ireland, though James Lowe fails to find touch with his clearance. Sevu Reece beats the first chaser but is hauled down, colliding awkwardly with Brodie Retallick. The ball pops free and Aaron Smith picks up from an offside position - a slightly fortuitous penalty for Ireland but one that Johnny Sexton will gladly punt onwards towards the New Zealand 22.

A good maul affords Dan Sheehan a chance to burst away and to within a metre of the New Zealand red zone, and more beefy forward carries earn Ireland a first 22 entry...

Harry Latham-Coyle2 July 2022 08:12

New Zealand 0-0 Ireland, 3 minutes

Rieko Ioane makes metres down the left and Aaron Smith and Beauden Barrett settle into their playmaking work, picking their runners without too many elaborate shapes. Sam Whitelock is well held by the Irish defence, and the All Blacks are content to call it there, B.Barrett poking a diagonal grubber into the Irish 22 and happy enough as it rolls out of play.

Ofa Tu’ungafasi drops to the floor to receive some early treatment, but will be ok to continue.

Harry Latham-Coyle2 July 2022 08:10

New Zealand 0-0 Ireland, 2 minutes

Steady enough, with rough parity as the forwards push for the first time.

The two sides trade long thumpings, James Lowe punting to Beauden Barrett, who then foxes Hugo Keenan with a spiralled flight. Keenan just about controls, gathers, and clears, but New Zealand run it back with interest for the first time.

Harry Latham-Coyle2 July 2022 08:08

New Zealand 0-0 Ireland, 1 minute

A shaky start for Ireland, failing to claim Beauden Barrett’s central lifted kick-off, and then nearly losing control at the breakdown. A New Zealand hand has knocked the ball on, though. Irish scrum feed.

Harry Latham-Coyle2 July 2022 08:07

KICK OFF!

New Zealand vs Ireland is underway!

Harry Latham-Coyle2 July 2022 08:07

Here we go...

England’s Karl Dickson has been given the biggest appointment of his refereeing career - he’s got the whistle this evening with a key role to play against two sides who like to keep things moving. Marius van der Westhuizen is the TMO.

Harry Latham-Coyle2 July 2022 08:06

Haka

The All Blacks march into position and prepare to lay the challenge down. TJ Perenara has been one of those leading the Haka for the last few years but is no longer part of the matchday squad, so the duty falls to fellow scrum-half Aaron Smith, a smaller figure weaving between the stomping bodies of his forwards as he launches into that powerful, driving call. Sam Cane heads the isoceles triangle, angry eyes as he squats with hands on hoips for the final note.

Ireland seem largely unperturbed, but watch with respect and no tomfoolery.

Harry Latham-Coyle2 July 2022 08:05

God Defend New Zealand

Now this is new - an acapella quartet dubbed the “Drax Project” lead Eden Park in a tuneful rendition of the two-language “God Defend New Zealand”.

Harry Latham-Coyle2 July 2022 08:03

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