Boks edge out brave Wales
Wales came up just short against South Africa at the Milliennium Stadium with the world champions claiming a hard-fought 20-15 win.
Last Updated: 08/11/08 5:42pm
Wales came up just short against South Africa at the Millennium Stadium with the world champions claiming a hard-fought 20-15 win.
The Springboks had opened up a commanding 20-3 lead early in the second half as Jean de Villiers coasted over following an interception to add to Adrian Jacobs' first-half try.
However, Wales roused themselves and four successful penalties from James Hook brought them right back into the contest, ensuring a grandstand finish in Cardiff.
But South Africa stood firm to see out the match and in the process secured a tenth consecutive win over their rivals.
Whilst the hosts finished the match in the ascendancy, it was South Africa who made much the faster start and they hit the front courtesy of Jacobs' try with just five minutes on the clock.
The score was created by JP Pietersen, who beat Shane Williams to a high kick to form a platform for the Springboks and once the ball was worked back Fourie du Preez slipped a short pass to Jacobs who powered over from close range.
Ruan Pienaar added the conversion and then slotted a penalty three minutes later after Jamie Roberts was spotted handling the ball whilst on the floor.
On the back foot following their opponents' barnstorming start, Wales came into the match with debutant Andy Powell driving them on at number eight.
They were on the board after 27 minutes with another debutant, Leigh Halfpenny, landing a long-range penalty with du Preez having been penalised.
Desperate
But it was South Africa who nearly extended their lead just before the break, with Pienaar only denied a try by a desperate last-ditch tackle from Tom Shanklin, who knocked the ball loose as the Springbok fly-half went to touch down.
Pienaar did, though, kick his second penalty shortly afterwards to ensure that his side restored their ten-point lead heading into the break.
With his side looking to force the issue, Wales coach Warren Gatland introduced Hook to the fray in the second half.
But the replacement's first contribution of note proved extremely costly as the Ospreys star saw a pass intended for Roberts intercepted by de Villiers, who rumbled over from inside his own half to touch down - Pienaar's conversion seemingly putting the South Africans in complete control.
But some much-needed Welsh inspiration came from full-back Lee Byrne whose buccaneering run and catch helped create a penalty which Hook was to kick.
It proved the first of three in a five-minute spell from the boot of Hook with the impressive Powell again catching the eye as Wales built up a head of steam.
They hauled themselves to within one score on 72 minutes as Hook knocked over his fourth penalty, although the kick only just crept over via the left upright.
Roared on by the home crowd, Wales secured one last chance to apply pressure on the Springbok line with a late line-out inside the South African 22, but the tourists held firm and having claimed possession saw out time to secure a battling triumph.
