Wales left heartbroken
Wales were left wondering what could have been as they were edged out 17-16 by defending world champions South Africa.
By Tony Curtis - Twitter: @SkySportsTC
Last Updated: 12/09/11 8:13am
Wales were left wondering what could have been as they were edged out 17-16 by defending world champions South Africa.
Warren Gatland's side looked set to cause an upset as they led the Springboks 16-10 with 15 minutes remaining - with Wales dominating possession and territory.
Jamie Roberts, Rhys Priestland and skipper Sam Warburton were simply immense - with the Boks lacking ideas and direction.
But in an absorbing contest, South Africa - just like England 24 hours earlier - found a way to win when it mattered most.
Frans Steyn and replacement back Francois Hougaard scored tries, while Morne added seven points with the boot.
For Wales Toby Faletau, whose father played for Tonga at the 1999 World Cup, scored the only try while James Hook kicked 12 points.
Wales had got off to the worst possible start as Frans Steyn crashed over in the corner after a sustained spell of pressure in the fourth minute.
The Boks pack had hammered away at the Welsh defence before quick hands found the full-back out wide and he used his strength to power over Hook. Morne Steyn converted.
Pressure
Wales responded well with three points from Hook coming after some nice phases of play - with Priestland getting the back division moving.
However, a second penalty went agonisingly close - and the miss was compounded as Morne Steyn was on target with a three-pointer of his own.
Wales did enjoy large spells in the South Africa half but despite playing with real purpose they just couldn't find a way through the defence of the world champions.
Hook, though, did cut the gap to four points with another penalty.
That gap was down to a solitary point 10 minutes in to the second half after another Hook penalty, with the Boks struggling to get out of second gear.
Sensing an upset, Wales upped the pressure - with the Boks lacking direction and ideas.
And Wales finally got the try they deserved when Faletau stormed through a gap to dive over. Hook converted.
However, the South Africa response was immediate and after they had driven into the heart of the Wales defence, Hougaard sliced through some poor defending - with Morne Steyn's conversion putting the Boks back in front with 15 minutes left.
Priestland attempted to put Wales back in front with a drop goal, but his effort was way off target - as was Hook's penalty effort with seven minutes left.
And it was South Africa who closed out the match in the Wales half, with their experienced pack eating up time at the breakdown.
