Wales player ratings vs South Africa: Autumn Nations Series

Yesterday at 02:29 PM

Wales player ratings vs South Africa as Warren Gatland's men fell to a record-breaking 12th consecutive defeat against the Springboks.

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South Africa stormed to a commanding 45-12 victory over Wales, handing the hosts their 12th consecutive defeat. The Springboks showcased ruthless efficiency, with tries from Franco Mostert, Eben Etzebeth, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Elrigh Louw, Aphelele Fassi, and Gerhard Steenekamp.

Jordan Hendrikse added five conversions to cap a clinical performance.

Wales' only responses came through Rio Dyer's first-half try and a last-ditch effort from James Botham. but they struggled to contain South Africa's power and precision.

This dominant performance underlined the Springboks' world champion status, while Wales' woes continue in a difficult campaign.

Scroll down for Wales player ratings vs South Africa.

Wales: 12

• Tries: Rio Dyer (40′), James Botham (80′)
• Cons:Ben Thomas (80′)
• Pens:

South Africa: 45

• Tries: Franco Mostert (05′), Eben Etzebeth (08′), Kurt-Lee Arendse (18′), Elrigh Louw (33′), Aphelele Fassi (53′), Gerhard Steenekamp (61′), Jordan Hendrikse (75′)
• Cons: Jordan Hendrikse (06′, 19′, 34′, 62′,76′)
• Pens:

POLL:

Wales player ratings vs South Africa:

1. Nicky Smith-4

The first of a trio of front-row players who struggled at the scrum, which eliminated one of Wales’ platforms to launch from. Looked okay around the pitch, he just physically was miles off from matching the opposition.

2. Dewi Lake (captain) – 5

Lake’s darts looked solid once again, which is arguably his only major positive in the game. Got blown away at scrum time far too many times as part of the front row, which gave South Africa easy chances for scores.

3. Archie Griffin – 4

He only managed 35 minutes before heading off injured. Wales overall got demolished come scrum time, which unfortunately falls on Griffin and the rest of the Welsh pack heads. Apart from that, he could never get near the Springbok’s physicality in both attack and defence.

4. Will Rowlands – 4

Another member of a lacklustre Welsh pack who failed to impact the game. Across the three Autumn Nations Series tests, Rowlands has failed to make an impact none more than today. Soft in attack and just off it in defence.

5. Chris Tshiunza-5

Tshiunza did a decent job at the Adam beard line-out role and enabled Wales some decently clean ball off the set piece. Just apart from that, it was another nothingness performance around the field.

6. James Botham – 6

Botham struggled to match up against his opposite number. He was penalised a few times at the maul, which hurt Wales and kept them pinned back at times. Botham grabbed a try late on to consolidate Wales.

7. Jac Morgan – 5

Morgan looked decent and looked hungry to put wrongs right, but it just didn’t go his way. Falling off too many tackles and being direct, but never really making a stamp on the game.

8. Taine Plumtree – 5

Taine Plumtree has the potential to be such a weapon for Wales all around the field and he’s shown flashes of this test series, but he just never got into the game against an opposition pack that which required his physicality

9. Ellis Bevan – 6

Bevan kept Wales somewhat ticking with some quick ball speed to try and get Wales into the game. Found Dyer from the ruck for his try. Box kicking was again solid, and he never did too much wrong himself he just lacked the chances to make an impact.

10. Sam Costellow – 6

The Welsh backline was suffocated of the ball for the majority of the half Costellow played. His kicks were good in open play, giving Wales some needed yards up the pitch. Went off for an HIA before being swapped at halftime, so there was not much more he could do in his time.

11. Rio Dyer-7

12. Ben Thomas – 5

13. Max Llewellyn – 5

Llewellyn failed to do anything to make a mark on the game. Ghosted in both attack and defence but also wasn’t helped by Wales’ lack of ball in hand.

14. Josh Hathaway-6

15. Blair Murray-4

Replacements

16. Ryan Elias – 5

17. Kemsley Mathias- 5

18. Keiron Assiratti – 5

19. Freddie Thomas-4

20. Tommy Reffell – 4

21. Rhodri Williams – 5

22. Eddie James- 5

23. Owen Watkin- 5

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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!

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