South Africa Comfortably Defeat Experimental Wales at Twickenham
On Saturday, world champions South Africa eased to a 41-13 victory over a spirited but inexperienced Wales side at Twickenham. The Springboks ran in five tries, with Jesse Kriel, Makazole Mapimpi, Bongi Mbonambi, and Edwill van der Merwe all crossing the line, while a penalty try was also awarded.
“Despite fielding a much-changed lineup, Warren Gatland’s Wales put up a determined fight, trailing by just a single point at halftime.”
Hooker and captain Dewi Lake scored the lone Welsh try, with Sam Costelow kicking two penalties.
However, South Africa’s power and experience ultimately proved too much in the second half, as they extended their lead and secured a comfortable victory. Replacement props Mbonambi and Frans Malherbe made an immediate impact, helping to create the platform for their side’s dominance.
The match was played in front of a crowd heavily in favor of the Springboks, who were missing several key players but still included 10 members of the 2023 World Cup final matchday squad. Wales, meanwhile, were without a host of injured and unavailable players, handing opportunities to several inexperienced internationals.
This was the first game for South Africa since their World Cup triumph, while Wales now head to Australia for a two-Test tour, where they will be looking to end their run of seven consecutive defeats.
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