By C. Perera, JadeTimes News
South Africa Eases to Five Try Victory Over Wales at Twickenham
World champions South Africa secured a five try triumph against a resilient Wales team at Twickenham. Warren Gatland’s experimental and youthful squad faced their seventh consecutive international defeat.
Wales supporters feared the worst when their team trailed 14 3 within the first 15 minutes, compounded by yellow cards for Rio Dyer and Aaron Wainwright, reducing them to 13 men. Despite this, inspired captain Dewi Lake, who scored a try, led a spirited comeback to narrow the deficit to one point by halftime. However, Wales remained scoreless in the second half.
Makazole Mapimpi, Bongi Mbonambi, and Edwill van der Merwe scored second half tries in South Africa’s first game since their World Cup final victory over New Zealand in October 2023. Although not the overwhelming defeat some had predicted, the Springboks' strength became evident in the latter half.
Wales now prepare for a two-Test tour in Australia, while South Africa will host Six Nations champions Ireland.
Absences and Challenges
Wales faced the match without key players like Jac Morgan, Tomos Williams, Taulupe Faletau, and Adam Beard due to injuries. Gareth Anscombe, Josh Adams, Will Rowlands, and Ryan Elias were rested for the summer. Prop Henry Thomas withdrew late with a foot injury, and several English based players were unavailable due to the match being outside World Rugby's international window.
South Africa's second row, Eben Etzebeth, nearly matched the experience of the entire Welsh starting pack, with the Springboks boasting 637 caps compared to Wales' 300. New caps included wing Van der Merwe and fly half Jordan Hendrikse, while the team retained 10 players from the World Cup final squad.
Match Highlights
South Africa quickly took the lead with Jesse Kriel and Mapimpi combining for a try, converted by Hendrikse. Sam Costelow scored Wales’ first points with a penalty. Evan Roos then powered through for a try, and South Africa was awarded a penalty try following a yellow card for Wainwright.
Despite being down to 13 men, Wales did not concede further points and took advantage when South Africa’s full back Aphelele Fassi was sin binned. Lake scored a try, converted by Costelow, who also added a penalty to narrow the gap to one point at halftime.
South Africa extended their lead post-break with Mapimpi’s try, despite a potential forward pass. The Springboks' bench strength, including Mbonambi and Malherbe, became evident as they dominated scrums, allowing Hendrikse to kick a penalty.
New Talents and Future Fixtures
Wales introduced three new caps in the second half: Scarlets centre Eddie James, Cardiff back Jacob Beetham, and Ospreys forward James Ratti. South Africa’s Van der Merwe, named player of the match, capped off the game with a brilliant try.
Gatland is set to announce a 34 man squad for the Australia tour, including Tests in Sydney and Melbourne, and a friendly against Queensland Reds. The Welsh camp faced pre match controversy with hooker Sam Parry leaving the training squad. Gatland, maintaining the door remains open for Parry, will now include Cardiff rookie Efan Daniel due to Dee’s ankle injury.
Despite recent struggles, including a last place finish in the Six Nations, Gatland received a vote of confidence from the Welsh Rugby Union in March. The Wales team heads to Australia seeking their first victory against the Wallabies in 55 years.
Team Lineups
South Africa Aphelele Fass,; Edwill van der Merwe, Jesse Kriel, Andre Esterhuizen, Makazole Mapimpi; Jordan Hendrikse, Faf de Klerk, Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx, Vincent Koch, Eben Etzebeth, Franco Mostert, Kwagga Smith, Pieter Steph du Toit , Evan Roos.
Replacements
Bongi Mbonambi, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Frans Malherbe, Salmaan Moerat, Ben Jason Dixon, Grant Williams, Sacha Feinberg Mngomezulu, Damian de Allende.
Sin bin Fassi 30
Cameron Winnett; Liam Williams, Owen Watkin, Mason Grady, Rio Dyer, Sam Costelow, Ellis Bevan, Gareth Thomas, Dewi Lake , Keiron Assiratti, Matthew Screech, Ben Carter, Taine Plumtree, James Botham, Aaron Wainwright.
Replacements
Evan Lloyd, Kemsley Mathias, Harri O'Connor, James Ratti, Mackenzie Martin, Gareth Davies, Eddie james, Jacob Beetham.