South Africa 23 Wales 19: Dan Biggar and Schalk Burger shine as the Boks claim a dramatic quarter-final victory at Twickenham

Man-for-man marking from South Africa's quarter final victory over Wales 

Nathan Hyde
Saturday 17 October 2015 22:54 BST
Comments
(gettyimages)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

South Africa skipper Fourie Du Preez dived over for a late match-winning try to send Wales crashing out of the World Cup at Twickenham in the first quarter final of this year's competition.

Wales led 19-18 with just five minutes left on the clock when Duane Vermeulen picked from the base of a solid Springbok scrum, drew two defenders and threw a remarkable no-look offload to his captain who collected and crossed over over a decisive score which secured his side a spot in next weekend's semi final.

Dan Biggar set up Gareth Davies for the opening try of the match and proceeded to kick 14 points including five penalties and a drop goal, while Handre Pollard responded with a drop goal and five penalties of his own to set up a tense finish.

Wales started brightly and attacked with a lot of urgency and ambition. Biggar shone throughout the first 40 minutes and caused South Africa plenty of problems with an array of probing chips.

Waren Gatland's side went in at half time 13-12 ahead and confident they could claim only their third ever win over South Africa.

But the Boks responded with an immensley powerful display in the second half and Wales met the barrage of Springboks runners with some momumental defence as Sam Warburton, Dan Lydiate and Taulupe Faletau made a combined total of 55 tackles.

But the two-time World Champions ultimatley proved too strong for Wales as their skipper converted a sustained period of pressure into points late on to break Welsh hearts.

South Africa will now meet the reigning champions New Zealand at Twickenham next weekend in the semi finals.

So how did the players perform? Click on the gallery below to find out.

What do you make of the ratings? Let us know in the comments below.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in