Wales vs Australia LIVE: Rugby result, final score and Autumn Nations Series 2021 reaction
The hosts prevailed on a dramatic night at the Principality Stadium thanks to Rhys Priestland’s late penalty
Wales‘ Rhys Priestland kicked a penalty after the hooter as the hosts poured more misery on Australia with a 29-28 victory at the Principality Stadium on Saturday following an early red card for visiting number eight Rob Valetini.
Valetini became the fifth player to see red against Wales in the last 12 months but could have few complaints after his dangerous tackle on lock Adam Beard after 14 minutes resulted in a clash of heads.
Hooker Ryan Elias and centre Nick Tompkins scored tries for the home side, who failed to drive home their numerical advantage and were seconds away from losing before they were awarded an offside penalty in the last play of the game.
Australia, who have lost all three matches on their tour after defeats by Scotland and England, scored tries through wings Andrew Kellaway and Filipo Daugunu, plus scrumhalf Nic White but, having highlighted the need to improve their discipline in the week, let themselves down again.
England 24-26 South Africa, 78 minutes
Knock ons both ways! Will Stuart is back on and England nearly find space as they now have a man advantage, but a South African hands sends the final pass out of reach for the player on the end of the line.
England 24-26 South Africa, 76 minutes
South Africa pinch the ball! Nic Dolly fails to hit his jumper and South Africa are able to clear!
YELLOW CARD! Siya Kolisi is sent to the sin bin! England 24-26 South Africa, 75 minutes
It’s yellow! Kolisi leapt for the ball but was there second and beneath Joe Marchant. It’s a yellow card for certain.
What do England do? It’s one metre inside their half, left of centre, Freddie Steward has a big boot...
Marcus Smith pushes England into the South Africa 22.
England 24-26 South Africa, 75 minutes
Drama! It is panto season as Twickenham boos as they hear a whistle blow with Henry Slade cantering away with the loose ball...
But the game has rightly been stopped as Joe Marchant tumbles nastily as Siya Kolisi collides with him in the air. The South African captain may be in bother here.
England 24-26 South Africa, 74 minutes
Like a great giraffe in the open field! Eben Etzebeth strides right through the centre of the England defence and has brief thoughts of something for the highlights real, but is so over-excited by the space that he throws an inaccurate pass, and South Africa hold on as they scramble to retrieve the bobbling ball.
PENALTY! England 24-26 SOUTH AFRICA (Frans Steyn penalty, 73 minutes)
No mistake from the veteran. South Africa into the lead.
Sam Simmonds replaces Courtney Lawes. Tom Curry presumably takes over the captaincy.
England 24-23 South Africa, 71 minutes
Twickenham looks skywards as the two sides trade up and unders, but it’s another South Africa penalty! Duane Vermeulen gets over the ball with Maro Itoje isolated and England hold on - Frans Steyn will have a go from 45 metres out.
TRY! England 24-23 SOUTH AFRICA (Makazole Mapimpi, 69 minutes)
Another penalty and another advantage coming but the Springboks won’t need it! A powerful maul drive is stalled just short and Marcus Smith is then offside, but England are narrow in defence, and two lovely miss passes from Elton Jantjies and Lukhanyo Am allow Makazole Mapimpi a simple run in for yet another international try.
Elton Jantjies to convert from the touchline to put South Africa ahead...missed left!
YELLOW CARD! Will Stuart is sent to the sin bin! England 24-18 South Africa, 67 minutes
One penalty too many for England, and they will play most of what remains of this game with 14 players. Will Stuart is the man off for a sit on the naughty step - South Africa back into the hosts’ 22.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments