Wales v South Africa LIVE: Rugby result and reaction from World Cup warm-up in Cardiff
Wales 16-52 South Africa: Wales thrashed in their final Rugby World Cup warm-up by the Springboks as Siya Kolisi returns from long-term injury
Winger Canan Moodie and centre Jesse Kriel ran in a brace of tries each as South Africa flexed their considerable muscle with a thumping 52-16 victory over Wales in their Rugby World Cup warm-up fixture in Cardiff.
Wales coach Warren Gatland names his 33-player squad for the World Cup on Monday and will have learnt much about his team from this home humiliation, in which they were out-muscled up front and out-thought with ball in hand.
The Springboks scored eight tries in all as hooker Malcolm Marx, flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit and replacement back Damien Willemse also crossed to go with a penalty try, though they will be concerned over a high error count and some poor kicking.
South Africa captain Siya Kolisi made a successful return from long-term injury with a superb 40 minutes in his first international appearance in 2023 and will hope to add to that when the Boks play old foes New Zealand in a final warm-up fixture in London on Friday.
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South Africa send message to Rugby World Cup rivals with Wales demolition
World champions South Africa delivered a ruthless display that bristled with pace and power to demolish Wales 52-16 at the Principality Stadium.
An inexperienced Wales line-up contained a total of only 235 caps and the Springboks showed no mercy as they cruised to a record victory over their opponents in Cardiff.
Wales’ final Rugby World Cup warm-up Test – head coach Warren Gatland will name his 33-strong squad for the tournament on Monday – proved a horribly one-sided affair.
It was the first time in either of Gatland’s reigns as head coach that Wales had conceded 50 or more points.
Centre Jesse Kriel and wing Canan Moodie each scored two tries, while hooker Malcolm Marx, flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit and replacement Damian Willemse also touched down, with South Africa’s tally completed by a penalty try and five Manie Libbok conversions.
South Africa send message to Rugby World Cup rivals with Wales demolition
Wales 16-52 South Africa: The Springboks scored a record amount of points in Wales as Siya Kolisi returned from long-term injury
Ireland vs England in Dublin
Right, that should just about do it from us in Cardiff. But there’s another fascinating warm-up clash that has just got underway. Ireland vs England in Dublin.
England have been at the centre of the rugby universe over the past week with Owen Farrell’s red card, non-suspension, then appeal dominating the conversation. They’ll be pleased to get back on the pitch, I’m sure.
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Ireland vs England LIVE: Latest updates from Rugby World Cup warm-up
Andy Farrell and Steve Borthwick’s men meet again five months on from their Six Nations encounter as they make final preparations for the upcoming Rugby World Cup
Canan Moodie reflects on South Africa win
Canan Moodie impressed again as he scored two tries and made over 100 metres on six carries. The winger is only 20 years old but is becoming a key cog in the Boks machine. Here are his thoughts on the win:
“We said Wales are a very tough team and coming here would be a tough one. There were lots of changes in their starting XV but we had a plan and executed it today.
“Fortunately for me, I’ve got the backing from the coaches and my teammates to go out there, be myself and back my ability.
“It's surreal to go to a World Cup. It’s amazing that four years ago, I was still at school! It’s motivation for me - four years ago, I’d have given anything to be out there, so I will go out there and give my best. You want to make the most of your opportunities. There’s lots of competition, world-class wingers in this squad and competition brings out the best in us.”
FULL-TIME! Wales 16-52 South Africa
FULL-TIME! Wales 16-52 South Africa
A final penalty for South Africa and they go for the posts to waste the final few seconds. Long-range kick for Libbok and he misses wide to the left. His kicking has been the one worry for the visitors today.
And that’s that. A chastening, disheartening day for Wales. They’ve been thoroughly outclassed by a dominant Springboks side who are serving notice that they won’t give up their World Cup crown without a fight.
Wales 16-52 South Africa, 78 mins
The PA and then the fans belting out ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’ by Bon Jovi, even once the match restarts. In fairness, Wales have been living on little else today...
Final knockings here, a couple of scrum resets. Come on, let’s get this done.
Wales 16-52 South Africa, 78 mins
A good defensive set by Wales as they repeatedly repel the Boks from five metres out.
Jac Morgan and Taine Basham right at the heart of it. Basham has brought a little bit of fire since coming off the bench.
Wales 16-52 South Africa, 77 mins
Here’s how South Africa brought up the half-century
Wales 16-52 South Africa, 74 mins
Result of the bunker review and it stays a yellow card for Damian Willemse. Not upgraded to red.
As we said, likely Van Staden hanging off Dyer’s back and changing his direction acted as mitigation.
Willemse will be off the pitch for the rest of the game anyway but it means he shouldn’t face any further sanction post-match.
TRY! Wales 16-52 South Africa (Sam Parry, 72 mins)
Finally some joy for Wales! They build into the Boks 22, and they go down the blindside where Sam Parry burrows over the line. A nice moment for him.
And Cai Evans gets his first international points as he nails the touchline conversion. Stunning kick.
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