South Africa v Wales LIVE rugby: Result and reaction as Damian Willemse kicks Springboks to last-gasp win

Follow reaction from the first Test of Wales’ summer tour as the Springboks break Welsh hearts

(AFP via Getty Images)

Full back Damian Willemse kicked a pressure penalty after the hooter to secure South Africa rugby a 32-29 victory over ill-disciplined Wales rugby in a see-saw test at a raucous Loftus Versfeld.

Louis Rees-Zammit crossed twice in the first half to put Wales in control and Dewi Lake also crossed to seemingly snatch a draw late on for the tourists, who came agonisingly close to their first-ever victory on South African soil.

They ran the world champions so close but paid the price for their cynical play in their own 22 as they lost four players to yellow cards and conceded a penalty try.

The Springboks might have won by a greater margin but for their own lacklustre play as their tactical kicking was abysmal and decision-making in key phases of play unusually poor. Hookers Bongi Mbonambi and Malcolm Marx, and wing Cheslin Kolbe, crossed for tries for the home side. The second of three tests will be played in Bloemfontein next Saturday with Wales still in search of a first win in South Africa after 11 attempts.

Follow all the reaction below with our live blog:

South Africa vs Wales

• 80’ - PENALTY! Willemse wins it with last kick of the game (32-29)
• 77’ - TRY! Lake goes over to level the scores for 13-man Wales (29-29)
• 75’ - TRY! Penalty try put Springboks ahead for first time and Wales reduced to 12 men (29-24)
• 66’ - TRY! Kolbe goes over out wide (22-24)
• 52’ - TRY! Marx barrels over for a second Boks try (15-18)
• 46’ - TRY! Mbonambi mauls over to narrow the gap (10-18)
• 32’ - TRY! Rees-Zammit goes over for his second try out of nothing (3-18)
• 3’ - TRY! Rees-Zammit sprints over to give Wales shock lead (0-5)
• Wales face world champions South Africa in first of three-match series
• Welsh have lost all 10 of their previous matches in South Africa

[2 July 2022 11:40 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Missed penalty! Australia 3-6 England, 26 minutes

Owen Farrell’s latest kick from the tee is not quite there, pulled just to the left of the posts.

Big test for Slipper, more often a loosehead, with nearly an hour left - that tighthead spot is a bit of a problem for Australia with no Taniela Tupou in the squad due to injury.

[2 July 2022 11:38 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Australia 3-6 England, 24 minutes

Freddie Steward again controls the skies as he takes down another Australian high kick. England attack with Owen Farrell and Marcus Smith largely alternating at first receiver rather than together in harness, before Steward next involvement - a punchy carry - ends with an England penalty.

This feels a bit harsh on Allan Alaalatoa, the penalised player - the tighthead appears to be in real strife in the ruck and perhaps even short of consciousness, and thus probably not likely to roll away. He will head off for at least an HIA, and probably a complete removal, with veteran James Slipper taking his place.

[2 July 2022 11:35 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

PENALTY! AUSTRALIA 3-6 England (Noah Lolesio penalty, 23 minutes)

And Lolesio finds the safe space between the uprights. Australia on the board.

[2 July 2022 11:35 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Australia 0-6 England, 22 minutes

Australia penalty! Ellis Genge seems confused by the call from the assistant referee that he is at fault for the scrum going down rather than Allan Alaalatoa, but that is the ruling, and back he will retreat as Noah Lolesio seeks Australia’s first points of the Perth evening.

[2 July 2022 11:33 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Australia 0-6 England, 22 minutes

A cart is called for as Banks is seen to, on his feet at first but rightly taking a seat with what you suspect is a broken arm. The versatile Jordan Petaia will replace him - he has played a fair bit of fifteen, but Andrew Kellaway can also cover full-back, and it appears Petaia will at least initially be stationed on the wing.

England scrum as Banks is applauded off.

[2 July 2022 11:31 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Australia 0-6 England, 22 minutes

Oh dear! Let’s not see that replay too many more times, please director - Tom Banks’ left arm becomes jelly-like as he lands on it, thrust at an awkward angle in an attempt to brace himself having toppled over Billy Vunipola. A very good chase from Banks, but that will end his series - not nice at all.

[2 July 2022 11:29 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

PENALTY! Australia 0-6 ENGLAND (Owen Farrell penalty, 21 minutes)

Two from two for Owen Farrell.

[2 July 2022 11:28 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Australia 0-3 England, 20 minutes

Or not! What a tackle from Marika Koroibete, detonating Marchant’s ribs as he corner-flags on the cover!

England go back to the left but Marcus Smith is cut down as he looks to jink. Australia infringe, though, and Owen Farrell again beckons for the tee.

[2 July 2022 11:27 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Australia 0-3 England, 19 minutes

Australia clear their lines effectively after a slight lineout wobble, but here come England again! Fine intensity in the carry and some lovely angles, and momentum begins to build.

Away bursts Tom Curry! Right up the centre goes the flanker after a brilliant flat miss ball. Can he find support? Yes, with the wide ball to Joe Marchant, who must canter in...

[2 July 2022 11:26 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Australia 0-3 England, 17 minutes

Billy Vunipola nearly brushes off the challenge of Samu Kerevi, and there are spaces opening as Danny Care again explores close-in possibilities. Marcus Smith prods a kick beyond the Australia defence, but it trickles out of play.