WALES STALLED BY THE SPRINGBOKS

The test was the opener of the Boks’ tour of Wales and England and was set to be a grudge match following Wales’ two wins in South Africa last summer. As the first Wales v South Africa match on Welsh soil, it was history in the making from the first whistle.

The 12th minute saw a good chance for Wales but for the final pass in the phase missing Manon Williams’ hands on the five. Six minutes later, Wales turned pressure into points as Awen Thomas slotted over a penalty to open to the scoring. The first try of the game came shortly after with South Africa flyer Ronwin Kelly running in from distance. Lebeth Oktober converted to give the visitors a 3-7 lead.

South Africa missed a sitter midway through the half when Nomsa Tedekwana’s pass went forward inches away from the hands of Ronwin Kelly and Yolande Meiring. Wales had the final say in the first-half, however, with Awen Thomas doubling her and Wales’ tally to six.

A penalty decision allowed Wales to grasp the lead again after the restart through Awen Thomas’ boot. Her South African counterpart, Oktober, almost replied but was denied by the posts.

Wales’ fate was sealed as the clock ticked down, with Ronwin Kelly making an exceptional run to claim her second try and reclaim South Africa’s lead. Two tries by Tedekwana and a conversion by Oktober assured the victory for the visitors.