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
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:
Australia 0-0 England, 3 minutes
James Doleman wants to make sure the set-up is right before permitting the two front rows to do battle. Twice he whistles after a call of “bind!”, ensuring that both sides are clear of what he expects.
It doesn’t work. England put weight on early and are free-kicked for a premature drive.
Australia 0-0 England, 2 minutes
England’s two-pronged playmaking axis get into their work, first Farrell at first receiver hitting Joe Marchant on a short line, then Marcus Smith taking Danny Care’s pass and seeking an inside runner. Ellis Genge is that carrier, and initially makes strong progress, but Cadeyrn Neville stalls the loosehead, and Australia hold him up. Scrum, Wallaby ball.
Australia 0-0 England, 1 minute
It is Owen Farrell who kicks off for England, landing it just inside Australia’s 22. Nic White clears in typically tidy boxed fashion. England’s first ball will come on the Australian ten metre line.
Kick-off!
James Doleman blows his whistle, and Australia against England has begun!
Anthems
The English national anthem is sung with limited fuss or fanfare, but very pleasantly. England look full of anticipation, bouncing and fizzing.
“Advance Australia Fair” is given more gusto, including an extended final note vibrato. Nic White, sporting ever impressive moustache, shuts his eyes and sings along. Cadeyrn Neville, an unlikely debutant at the age of 33, looks rather proud.
Welcome to Country
England received their own aboriginal Welcome to Country on arrival at camp in Western Australia last week, and the crowd warmly welcomes the pre-match tradition as the players prepare for the anthems.
And then Australia trot out
It is a longer walk from dressing room to pitch than at some grounds, allowing Michael Hooper and his team a chance to soak up the atmosphere. Noah Lolesio mixes quiet focus with, perhaps, a look of slight apprehension - to change roles so late must be tough, but the Brumbies playmaker is an undeniable talent.
Courtney Lawes leads England out
The English players look up at the bright lights that ring the top of Optus Stadium. Most have never lost to Australia. What confidence will that give them?
A new trophy
Mark Ella carries out the Ella-Mobbs Cup - named after the first indigenous captain of Australia and Edgar Mobbs, the Northampton who won seven caps for England before his being killed in action in Flanders during the First World War.
Australia vs England
James O’Connor burst into the Australian dressing room still holding his suit bundled up in his arms, having been hurriedly called down from the posh seats. He has hastily got his kit and boots on.
Optus Stadium looks well populated, with the temperature in the low teens. It really is a great sporting arena, though the distant stands are perhaps better suited to the more regular cricket and AFL contests held here.
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