Wales v South Africa
WORDS: Tom Bevan (Youth Editorial Group)
VIDEO: bethulie13
Invesco Perpetual Series Rugby International?
Wales v South Africa
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
8th November 2008 - K.O 2:30pm
Final Score: Wales 15, South Africa 20
Starting line ups:
Wales:?Lee Byrne, Leigh Halfpenny, Tom Shanklin, Jamie Roberts, Shane Williams, Stephen Jones, Gareth Cooper, Andy Powell, Martyn Williams, Ryan Jones (C), Ian Evans, Alun-Wyn Jones, Adam Jones, Matthew Rees, Gethin Jenkins.
South Africa:?Conrad Jantjes, JP Pietersen, Adrian Jacobs, Jean de Villiers, Bryan Habana, Ruan Pienaar, Fourie du Preez, Pierre Spies, Juan Smith, Schalk Burger, Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha, John Smit (C), Bismarck du Plessis, Tendai Mtawarira
The atmosphere in the city centre was electric. A sea of red supporters lined the streets, beers in hand, ready to descend into the lair of the Millennium Stadium. It was international time again, and what a way to start it, with the world champions South Africa visiting the capital.
However, since winning the world cup title almost 13 months ago, the Springboks performed disappointingly in the Tri Nations, winning only two of their six games. Hopeful to make up for this, the South Africans headed to Cardiff with the aim to reinstate their power in world rugby, bringing with them a fistful of energetic supporters.?
Despite losing Gavin Henson late on to injury, the Welsh, with their passionate home support, had a good chance of upsetting the Springboks, who themselves boasted a strong and quick starting fifteen.?
Once inside the stadium, the atmosphere was turned up a few notches, and after several pre match renditions of Bread Of Heaven, the stadium was buzzing. Then, after the visitors' Call Of South Africa, the stadium joined in unison to belt out the rousing Welsh National Anthem. As a proud Welshman, this moment is always a spine-tingling one and as the crowd was seated, a feeling of expectation hung in the air.?
However, this feeling soon faded, as after a bright start the South Africans scored the opening try after six minutes. The try, touched down by flanker Schalk Burger, was converted by Ruan Pienaar, to give the world champions an early lead of seven points. The visitors remained in control, keeping good possession and not allowing Wales to get near the ball.?
Soon, they gained another three points through a penalty, given away scrappily by the home side and kicked again by the fly-half Pienaar. Within the opening ten minutes the ‘Boks had gained ten points. This seemed to wake up the Welsh, who after sorting out their early defensive problems began to make it difficult for the South Africans, playing an excellent kicking game and pushing forward to make some good attacks.?
After a missed penalty from Steven Jones, the home side continued to play high up the pitch, scoring after 29 minutes, with a penalty kick from debutant Leigh Halfpenny. The game had been pushed wide open and Wales, lead by Ryan Jones, began to show some of the form showed earlier in the year in the six nations. However, as the half-time whistle was about to blow, another penalty was given away and Pienaar converted for South Africa. With the score at the break 13-3 to the South Africans, a promising second half loomed.?
The final 40 minutes started brightly as Wales came straight out at a furious pace, determined to break down the ever-strong South African defence. Some clever kicking from Lee Byrne helped Wales to build attack after attack, but each move was broken down by some clumsy ball skills or some excellent defending from the world champions.?
Then, against the run of play, a sharp interception by Jean de Villiers gave South Africa an easy try - the centre running into the open space behind the Welsh defence and scoring under the posts. Pienaar again did the job and calmly slotted over the conversion, to give the visitors a 20-3 lead, after 52 minutes. This was undeserved from Wales’ point of view, but soon enough they received another penalty, which was kicked over by the substitute James Hook.?
Another followed in quick succession, the Ospreys outside half again proving his kicking ability, with a longer attempt at the posts. The score at 20-9, the Springboks were beginning to lose their nerve, and after committing various misconducts, Fourie du Preez was sin-binned and took the long walk to the dugout. Hook again took the three points from the conversion, narrowing the visitors lead to eight points.?
The atmosphere was switched back on to full as the crowd sensed a nail biting finish and the Welsh players felt this was a real opportunity to defeat the world champions. Waves of attack were thrown at the South Africans, but time after time the crucial tackles were made, Peel being pulled down just yards away by Bryan Habana, who had been surprisingly quiet throughout the match. But time ticked on and a 73rd minute penalty for Wales was simply not enough, and the Springboks held out for a narrow victory.?
Wales will be disappointed not to have converted the numerous chances they had, but Warren Gatland will be proud of how the young team performed at such a high level and he can take many positives from the game. South Africa know they can play better and another test will be waiting for them in Murrayfield. Wales face an easier game next, against Canada, who have never won here in Cardiff.
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