Wales v South Africa: Autumn Nations Series – live
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17th minute: Wales stands strong! Their defense is impressive. Initially, their scrum managed to maintain control, forcing Hendrikse to deal with a chaotic ball at the base. Wiese picked it up and tried to make a break but couldn't break through. Then, Smith delivered a solid tackle on Etzebeth. Kolisi attempted a run next, but Morgan made an excellent effort to stop him just before the line.
14th minute: Wales manages to jump and interrupt the line-out effectively. However, they end up losing possession. This means South Africa will have a five-meter scrum, putting the home team in a tough position.
13th minute: The Springboks make some headway with their maul, but the Welsh commit a foul and disrupt it unfairly. This could lead to a yellow card. South Africa has another opportunity with a line-out, this time just five meters from the try line.
13th minute: The team executes a smooth line-out, with Arendse making a dynamic play by receiving a pass from de Allende and charging over the 22-meter line on the right side. Plumtree gets caught up in a ruck and gives away a penalty. Hendrikse kicks the ball further down the field, bringing it nearer to the try line. South Africa is set to throw in about seven meters away from the line.
11th minute: Wales is caught offside, resulting in a penalty in their own half. They’re playing around with the ball, and even when under pressure, Jordan Hendrikse made a challenging pass to Kriel, who took the hit. However, the penalty gives Hendrikse the opportunity to kick the ball toward Wales' 22 for a line-out.
South Africa Dominates Wales 12-0
Both locks have managed to score! They’re overwhelming the opposition! It all began with a fierce counter-ruck that stole the ball from Wales. After that, it was almost too simple as quick passes found Arendse on the left wing, and in no time, he was sprinting down the field. A straightforward pass back inside connected with the big player in support, who barreled over the try line. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful, but it’s already shaping up to be a one-sided affair.
South Africa Dominates Wales 7-0
South Africa has scored! Mostert made a fantastic run that went unnoticed by the Welsh defense near the right wing, and Jaden Hendrikse accelerated to send the big player through a gap. The play kicked off with a run from Arendse, which set the stage for a move down the field, and then Kolbe powered into the 22-meter area. South Africa controlled the breakdown effectively, maintaining their forward momentum. The Welsh defense weakened, and Mostert seized the moment beautifully. The conversion is successful, and the Boks are off to a strong start.
In the fifth minute, Elrigh Louw successfully secures the ball from the back of the line-out, and Hendrikse along with Wiese drives the play towards the goal line. They find themselves just five meters away as they shift the action from right to left. However, Botham makes an impressive move, getting low to win a vital penalty right on his own try line. It’s a remarkable play by him. Wilco Louw was at fault for holding on to the ball after making his way past the gainline.
In the 4th minute, Costelow is off to a strong start. He skillfully handles a high ball while facing pressure. Shortly after, Hendrikse takes a big hit while trying to catch a high kick, but Kriel manages to break through the line thanks to a cross-field kick aimed at the left wing. However, the play is brought back for a penalty since Dyer interfered with Hendrikse in the air. The Boks kick it long, earning a line-out within Wales’ 22-meter area.
At the 2-minute mark, Costelow kicks off powerfully, and Jordan Hendrikse sends it out near the halfway line. Morgan makes a strong run toward the line, followed by good carries from Costelow and Lake. The Welsh team is maintaining early flow in their play until Costelow puts up a high kick that Hendrikse catches. It seems like they’re playing their own style at the moment.
Wales sporting white jerseys paired with green shorts—it could be the fresh look they were looking for.
Let me tell you, that was an incredibly emotional performance of Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.
Regardless of the situation, the Welsh have a knack for supporting their team. Lake and Dyer were visibly emotional. If they can channel that passion onto the field, we could be in for an exciting match.
The players are lined up, and soon two of rugby's most popular anthems will start playing.
Here’s what the coaches shared right before the match began:
The outcome from last week stings, and we share the same disappointment as the fans.
There were positive aspects we can certainly work with as we head into Saturday, but we need to sharpen our precision.
We understand how strong and tough South Africa is as a team. This week, we need to demonstrate true bravery and confront the reigning world champions head-on.
This is our final game of the season, and we are committed to ending the year on a high note.
Wales is a nation filled with pride and boasts a highly respected coach in Warren. They are determined to end their campaign on a positive note.
We hope to complete the tour without any losses, but we recognize that we've had several tight matches against them at the Principality Stadium in the past.
Wales has won the coin toss. Things are looking promising for the team that’s considered the underdogs.
“I have a strong commitment to Welsh rugby, and that's why I've expressed that if people believe it's best for me to step aside, I'm fine with that. I'll move forward and seek new opportunities,” Gatland mentioned this week.
"I truly think that if you choose to take that step right now, what will you accomplish? Will someone else come in and have to start from scratch? How long will that process take? What players are on the market right now who could potentially impact our results?"
Bold statements from one of the toughest competitors in the sport. But isn’t the end approaching?
When Cameron Hanekom steps onto the field for his Test debut, he will be the 51st player that Rassie Erasmus has selected this year.
Typically, frequent changes like this indicate that things aren't going smoothly. For instance, Wayne Pivac had to use 50 different Welsh players in 2020, while Dave Rennie turned to 51 Australian players in 2022.
However, the Springboks are set to claim their 11th victory out of 13 matches in a season that also features a Rugby Championship title.
South Africa’s stronghold on rugby is frequently amplified by their fervent fans. Teams like France, New Zealand, and Ireland are fully capable of competing against them when they are at their best. However, it's undeniable that we are currently witnessing one of the sport's legendary eras.
Since his statement about being open to resigning for the sake of Welsh rugby following the team's 52-20 defeat to Australia last Sunday, Gatland has come across as someone who has already been dismissed, or at the very least, someone whose time in the role is almost over.
Andy Bull expresses strong opinions, stating that while Gats is “a good person and an excellent coach,” it seems that his final role in Welsh rugby may be to shoulder the blame for its shortcomings. In doing so, he might compel the sport to face up to its current issues.
I’m feeling a bit uncertain about my position. What I do know is that if the coach of my national team had declared publicly more than once in a single year that he wanted to resign, I would insist that he should go as soon as possible.
For the first time, brothers Jordan and Jaden Hendrikse will play alongside each other in the half-back positions. They are flanked by a wealth of experience in the backline.
Before them is a somewhat altered lineup. Eben Etzebeth was initially set to come on as a substitute, but due to a last-minute injury to Jean Kleyn, the experienced player with 130 caps will now be in the starting position, wearing the number 4 jersey. Also, watch for Cameron Hanekom making his debut from the bench; many people back home are optimistic about the promising future of this powerful loose forward.
South Africa: Aphelele Fassie; Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Kurt-Lee Arendse; Jordan Hendrikse, Jaden Hendrikse; Thomas du Toit, Johan Grobellar, Wilco Louw, Eben Etzebeth; Franco Mostert, Siya Kolisi (captain), Elrigh Louw, Jasper Wiese.
Substitutes: Malcolm Marx, Gerhard Steenkamp, Vincent Koch, Marco van Staden, RG Snyman, Cameron Hanekom, Cobus Reinach, Handre Pollard.
The team has made four last-minute adjustments to the initial lineup. While it's unclear if this indicates some disarray within the group, it's definitely an unusual occurrence to see such changes at the last moment.
Winger Josh Hathaway and prop Nicky Smith will be stepping in for Tom Rogers and Gareth Thomas. Kemlsey Mathias and Owen Watkin are set to join them on a well-equipped bench.
However, I worry that none of this will have a significant impact. Nevertheless, it's a wonderful chance to make your country proud.
Wales: Blair Murray; Josh Hathaway, Max Llewellyn, Ben Thomas, Rio Dyer; Sam Costelow, Ellis Bevan; Nicky Smith, Dewi Lake (captain), Archie Griffin, Will Rowlands, Christ Tchiunza, Jac Morgan, Taine Plumtree.
Substitutes: Ryan Elias, Kemsley Mathias, Kieron Assiratti, Freddie Thomas, Tommy Reffell, Rhodri Williams, Eddie James, Owen Watkin.
If you enjoy gripping and fiercely competitive Test rugby, you might want to look elsewhere.
Anything is possible, but if Wales, who haven't won a match this year, manages to defeat the Springboks, it would certainly be one of the biggest surprises in the history of the sport.
Warren Gatland, the coach of the Welsh rugby team, has a history of turning things around and finding success even in tough times. However, it seems he's either lost his touch or lacks the talented players needed to address the team's issues. He is now facing one of the toughest challenges in rugby history, coming off 11 consecutive losses. This streak means we are witnessing one of the weakest Welsh teams ever. If they manage to avoid a devastating 12th defeat, it would be seen as a significant surprise.
Rassie Erasmus, the coach of South Africa, focuses on results rather than feelings. He has chosen a strong team (more details to come) and aims to end 2024 with 11 victories out of 13 matches. Achieving this would also mark a complete success on their European tour, a feat they haven't accomplished since 2013.
If Wales is going to face defeat, they should do so with dignity. Even a less-than-ideal outcome can have its positives, and there are countless devoted Welsh fans who deserve to move on from this challenging year with a sense of hope.
Start at 5:40 PM.
Stay tuned for information about teams and upcoming updates.