Chris Davey’s Wales Under-21 side crashed out of World Cup contention in Newbury on Saturday night, losing 50-21 to world champions South Africa.
The loss cost Wales any chance of making the Cup semi-finals, their place in the final four being taken by Argentina, who ironically lost to the young Wales side in the pool stages.
Wales – minus several key players because of injury and senior duty – were brave in defeat, but had no answer to the power and pace of the young Boks.
Prop Rhys Thomas and fly-half Nicky Robinson scored tries for Wales, who finished the match with 14 men after Cardiff backrower James Malpas was red-carded for throwing punches.
Wales now play England in the playoff for fifth and sixth in Henley on Wednesday.
South Africa: Tries – Du Preez, Gilfillan, Burger, Ferreira, Chavanga; Cons – D Hougaard 5; Pens – D Hougaard 4; DG – D Hougaard.
Wales: Tries – R Thomas, N Robinson; Con – N Robinson; Pens – N Robinson 3.
