Wales v South Africa LIVE rugby: Result and reaction after Springboks condemn hosts to winless year
Wales 12-45 South Africa: The hosts were comfortably beaten to prompt renewed questions over Warren Gatland’s future
Wales were condemned to the ignominy of a winless 2024 as world champions South Africa proved much too good for Warren Gatland’s embattled side.
The hosts have looked completely bereft of confidence and belief as their losing streak has reached a record-breaking 11 games and they never felt likely to challenge a Springboks side who concluded an unbeaten Autumn Nations Series. There were signs of fight in the Welsh ranks, with Jac Morgan and others standing up impressively to the visitors’ physicality, but the final scoreline was predictably one-sided as South Africa ran in seven tries.
Gatland has looked like something of a broken man at points over the last year and questions about his job security have hugely increased following the historically bad past 12 months, with a real chance that he may leave before the Six Nations begins in February.
Re-live all the action from Cardiff in our live blog below:
Wales captain Dewi Lake on another difficult day
“They’re double world champions for a reason, but I think we showed a lot of heart and character in parts of that game,” the hooker says to TNT Sports.
“We’re probably just not there yet as a group. Discipline in some areas has cost us again - they’re a dangerous team when they’re rolling onto the ball.
“I can’t question the effort. I can’t question the effort. Of course we can [see light at the end of the tunnel]. We’ve got to keep the faith. The journey is just as important as the destination, sometimes.”
Franco Mostert speaks to TNT Sports after South Africa’s win
“We enjoy Wales. We knew they had their backs against the wall, and when a team is like that they get the best out of themselves. We knew it was going to be a tough game, so credit to Wales and our boys for pulling it through.
“Coach Rassie said at the start of the week that we are here to get better. We felt last week, our performance was a little bit individual, even in a great win against England. This week we focussed on playing as a team.
“As players, we always back the management. The way Rassie brings in the new guys is that nothing changes - we have a system, and if you fit in that system, we’ll always be a great group together.”
FT: Wales 12-45 South Africa
That’s that for Wales - they end the year without a Test win, predictably out-classed as the Springboks flexed their muscles. Some creditable performances from young Welshmen in there, with Jac Morgan tireless in the tackle, but the gulf in quality and physicality was clear throughout.
TRY! WALES 12-45 South Africa (James Botham, 81 minutes)
They can! A year of toil and torment ends with a Wales try, James Botham powering over. It matters not bar the final accounting, but Wales never quit - even if Ben Thomas’s conversion is the final kick of a winless 2024.
Wales 5-45 South Africa, 79 minutes
Wales may finish on the attack, though, granted a chance in the Springboks’ 22 by an errant crossfield kick. Can they give their long-suffering fans a final flourish after the toughest of years?
TRY! Wales 5-45 SOUTH AFRICA (Jordan Hendrikse, 76 minutes)
A neatly-taken try! A deft offload from the deck by Handre Pollard keeps South Africa’s momentum rolling, and then the half backs combine, Cobus Reinach wriggling his limbs out of a tackle and setting up Jordan Hendrikse for the try. Hendrikse converts to leave the Springboks eyeing 50.
Wales 5-38 South Africa, 75 minutes
Wales have just run out of punch in attack, though. A couple of relatively unthreatening carries and South African hands get to breakdown ball, earning a turnover penalty. 15 times the hosts have been whistled.
Wales 5-38 South Africa, 73 minutes
Thwack! RG Snyman somehow stays standing as he is clattered by two Welshmen throwing their full force at the gargantuan lock, who is eventually felled and forced to hold on by a home jackaller.
Wales 5-38 South Africa, 70 minutes
Handre Pollard is again deployed as a first phase carrier, the burly fly half relishing a different role in midfield as Rassie Erasmus assesses his tactical options. Pollard did feature at inside centre a fair bit during his time at Montpellier, and has made a couple of crunching carries here.
South Africa make half a break before toeing into the corner. Ryan Elias’s dart is spot on under a bit of pressure.
Kemsley Mathias is the last replacement on the park - a late call-up after Gareth Thomas fell ill, he relieves Nicky Smith.
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