Wales v South Africa LIVE: Rugby result and reaction from World ...
Wales 16-52 South Africa: Wales thrashed in their final Rugby World Cup warm-up by the Springboks as Siya Kolisi returns from long-term injury
(Action Images via Reuters)
Wales and South Africa meet in Cardiff this afternoon for the latest warm-up match with the Rugby World Cup drawing ever nearer.
It is now just a few weeks before the two sides begin their tournament efforts, with this encounter coming at a crucial point in their preparations, and it should prove to be a useful test for both sides.
For those in Welsh red, this last warm-up contest is a final opportunity to press their case for selection with Warren Gatland set to name his final World Cup squad of 33 on Monday.
Meanwhile, the Springboks have already confirmed their selection for the tournament in France, but a close to full-strength side chosen by Jacques Nienaber will want to lay down a marker and inspirational captain Siya Kolisi makes a welcome return from a long-term injury.
Relive the action from Cardiff with our blog below and you can find the latest rugby tips and betting offers here
(AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
Luke Baker19 August 2023 17:20
A final penalty for South Africa and they go for the posts to waste the final few seconds. Long-range kick for Libbok and he misses wide to the left. His kicking has been the one worry for the visitors today.
And that’s that. A chastening, disheartening day for Wales. They’ve been thoroughly outclassed by a dominant Springboks side who are serving notice that they won’t give up their World Cup crown without a fight.
(Getty Images)
Luke Baker19 August 2023 17:14
The PA and then the fans belting out ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’ by Bon Jovi, even once the match restarts. In fairness, Wales have been living on little else today...
Final knockings here, a couple of scrum resets. Come on, let’s get this done.
Luke Baker19 August 2023 17:10
A good defensive set by Wales as they repeatedly repel the Boks from five metres out.
Jac Morgan and Taine Basham right at the heart of it. Basham has brought a little bit of fire since coming off the bench.
Luke Baker19 August 2023 17:09
Here’s how South Africa brought up the half-century
Luke Baker19 August 2023 17:07
Result of the bunker review and it stays a yellow card for Damian Willemse. Not upgraded to red.
As we said, likely Van Staden hanging off Dyer’s back and changing his direction acted as mitigation.
Willemse will be off the pitch for the rest of the game anyway but it means he shouldn’t face any further sanction post-match.
Luke Baker19 August 2023 17:05
Finally some joy for Wales! They build into the Boks 22, and they go down the blindside where Sam Parry burrows over the line. A nice moment for him.
And Cai Evans gets his first international points as he nails the touchline conversion. Stunning kick.
Luke Baker19 August 2023 17:03
Bunker time!
Wales break down the left through Rio Dyer, who is hauled in from behind by Marco van Staden but Damian Willemse joins the tackle from the front and there’s head to head contact.
Willemse is very upright and there’s force in the collision, so he’s given a yellow card, with referee Andrew Brace ordering the bunker to take a look and see if it’s upgraded to a red.
The tackle of Van Staden, if it is determined to change Dyer’s direction may save Willemse.
Luke Baker19 August 2023 17:01
Tap and go, then South Africa set up a maul. Within inches but penalty coming, so they spread the ball wide and Damian Willemse has acres of room to run in after a flat Libbok pass. Try number eight.
From bad to worse for Wales as debutant Teddy Williams sent to the sin-bin for foul play in the build-up. The try doesn’t save him.
Luke Baker19 August 2023 16:57
Mbonambi brought down a metre short and Du Toit goes again. He’s over the line but flipped on to his back and held up. Another penalty coming though.
Luke Baker19 August 2023 16:55
