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 0-0 South Africa, 5 minutes
An excellent kick from Jordan Hendrikse takes the Springboks down into the 22. Johan Grobbelaar hits his jumper at the tail, and off the Boks go, fly ghalf Hendrikse jinking dangerously.
But that’s fine work from Wales in the shadow of their own posts, getting after breakdown ball and drawing a penalty. A chance goes begging for the visitors - though they may wonder if Nicky Smith was on his feet...
Wales 0-0 South Africa, 3 minutes
A first sign of what the world champions can do, Aphelele Fassi cleverly spotting space on the counter-attack and deftly dinking into the hands of an onrushing Jesse Kriel. Kriel’s attempt to toe ahead is diverted into touch by Welsh legs.
Back, though, for a South Africa penalty - a tackle in the air after Costelow’s second high hoist.
Wales 0-0 South Africa, 1 minute
Jordan Hendrikse takes the pass of his brother Jaden, the fly half booting long as South Africa clear their lines quickly. Wales go to the air early in their first possession, Sam Costelow sending one skywards for Rio Dyer to chase. The Springboks are equal to it.
KICK OFF!
Ben Thomas puts boot to ball and we are underway in Cardiff!
Wales vs South Africa
Plenty of South Africans in, judging by the green and gold streaks in the stands and a full-throated singing of their anthem. It’s soon drowned out by a mighty version of “Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau” - the Welsh side may be down on their luck but there is never any shortage of feeling from the fans.
Wales vs South Africa
Out the players come as the final few late-arriving spectators take their seats. Cardiff was perhaps slightly more subdued than usual for a matchday earlier, but the energy feels good here - for now.
Wales vs South Africa match officials
Referee: Karl Dickson (England)
Assistant Referee 1: Christophe Ridley (England)
Assistant Referee 2: Damian Schneider (Argentina)
TMO: Andrew Jackson (England)
FPRO: Stuart Terheege (England)
Wales vs South Africa
It has been a truly wretched day in Cardiff, the wind high, the rain heavy. Thankfully, all inside the Principality Stadium are safe from the elements.
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