Wales End Year Winless: Three Players Who Flopped as Springboks Dominate in Cardiff
Today at 03:38 PM
Wales have endured a year to forget, finishing 2024 winless for the first time since 1937 after suffering a crushing 45-12 defeat to South Africa at the Principality Stadium.
RUCK's Autumn Nations Series coverage is proudly powered by the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, dedicated to creating a world free of MND. Join the the fight against MND here.
Despite showing plenty of fighting spirit, Warren Gatland's men were no match for the size and power of the Springboks. Wales leaked seven tries, with Franco Mostert, Eben Etzebeth, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Elrigh Louw, Aphelele Fassi, Gerhard Steenkamp, and Jordan Hendrikse all crossing the whitewash.
Wales' only response came through tries from Rio Dyer and James Botham. Rugby correspondent Steffan Thomas handed out his player ratings, with Botham, Jac Morgan, and Dewi Lake among the few positives.
But while some shone in defeat, others struggled to make an impact. Here are three players who flopped for the hosts:
Will Rowlands
Wales Online 4/10: “Failed to make any dent in the South African defence with his carrying and was outmuscled by the Springboks second-rows. The 33-year-old has not been at his best this autumn.”
Planet Rugby 5/10: “Worked very hard, as always, and just did what he needed to around the paddock.”
RUCK 4/10: “Unable to make a tight carries of note in a first half where he was overpowered by a Bok front five in a dispiriting afternoon.”
It was a tough outing for Rowlands, who struggled to impose himself against the towering South African forwards. His usually reliable carrying game was nowhere to be seen, and he was dominated in the physical exchanges.
Max Llewellyn
Rugby Pass 4/10: “Penalised for tackling off the ball after 17 minutes and was invisible in first half. Left field on 56 minutes after making little impression. Will have better days in a Welsh shirt.”
Wales Online 5/10: “Didn’t do much wrong but Wales didn’t win enough ball for the Gloucester centre to show his quality in attack. Both Llewellyn and his centre partner Ben Thomas struggled in defence at times against a multi-faceted Springboks attack.”
Planet Rugby 3/10: “Just wasn't his day in all honesty. Couldn't get a foothold in the game as South Africa dominated play, and he was well-beaten by opposite number Jesse Kriel.”
Llewelyn failed to make his mark on the game, struggling to assert himself both in attack and defence. Penalised early on and largely anonymous, it was a day to forget for the Gloucester man.
Archie Griffin
Rugby Pass 4/10: “Made eleven tackles before departing on 35 minutes after a day of learnings. Early missed tackle on Mostert in open space and could do little against a monstrous Springbok front featuring his Bath clubmate Thomas du Toit. Still emerged in credit from a chastening Series.”
Wales Online 3/10: “The Bath prop is a fine prospect but this was by far his weakest performance. Fell off two tackles in the opening 10 minutes but more importantly suffered the mother of all hidings from his Bath teammate Thomas du Toit at the scrum. Replaced by Keiron Assiratti after just 36 minutes.”
Planet Rugby 2/10: “Just a woeful day at the office for the young tighthead. Bath clubmate Thomas du Toit had his number in virtually every scrum, and he was hooked after 35 minutes.”
Griffin endured a nightmare performance in the set-piece, repeatedly undone by his Bath teammate Thomas du Toit. Hooked before halftime, the young prop will hope to learn from this chastening experience.
EDITORS PICKS:
- Eddie Jones' Health Update: What's the Latest Ahead of England's Big Match on Sunday?
- "How is this not a RED CARD?" – Female referee brutally taken out from behind by Fiji star
- Seven Ex-England Players Call Out Eddie Jones, And It's Brutal
- Report: Another England coach could be set for an early departure
Can you name Wales’ XV from their 2012 Grand Slam?
Test your rugby knowledge with this challenge! Can you name the starting XV from Wales’ unforgettable 2012 Grand Slam victory?
You've got three minutes on the clock—think fast and see how many players you can recall from that iconic team!
The post Wales End Year Winless: Three Players Who Flopped as Springboks Dominate in Cardiff appeared first on Ruck.
