Boks’ Bench Press Just Too Strong for Wales

What a difference a week makes. After a torrid time against the All Blacks in nigh on perfect weather conditions, Wales were facing the world champions South Africa in a persistent heavy drizzle and a swirling wind at the Principality Stadium. I think everyone would have preferred the stadium roof to be closed but Covid restrictions would not permit that. The crowd was getting wet outside as well as inside which is almost unheard of.

The weather conditions favoured the now familiar “boks” kicking game and the visitors applied it liberally. Wales struggled manfully to contain this and in the main were reasonably successful. Wales, however, had come with much more passion than the previous week and were not about to be intimidated by their powerful adversaries. Indeed, Wales led for most of the game as the teams exchanged penalty after penalty with the home lead reaching six points now and then.

Wales had their own kicking game which got them into good positions a number of times. There were a couple of tough chances for Rees Zammit in the first half to score in the corner in the first half but neither came to fruition. The Welsh midfield was rocked back by the on-rushing Boks’ defence whenever they tried to move the ball. Without heavyweight ball carriers Wales could not really dent the away teams defence close to the breakdown either. It was difficult to see how Wales were going to conjure up a try as the game wore on. They could, however, accumulate points through Biggar penalties that were earned mainly at the breakdown.

The Springboks worked themselves positions close to the Welsh line on a number of occasions and their driving lineout looked for all the world certain to pay dividends but splendid Welsh defence marshalled by the excellent Ellis Jenkins kept them out. The question was how long could they keep doing it.

One of the main culprits for Wales conceding field position was a rather shaky scrum which conceded too many penalties. In the first half there were not many scrums but the number increased in the second half and this ramped up the pressure on Wales. This was particularly so as the South African bench was deployed. Unlike last week the Welsh lineout held up well although this was achieved by throwing to the front rather than risking the longer throws favoured for attacking rugby.

Wales had a glimmer of a chance with a quarter of an hour to go when Liam Williams was put in a bit of space with the try line in his sights. Sadly, some complete buffoon had chosen to run on to the pitch and was crash tackled by a steward at the critical moment and no doubt was enough of a distraction to give the South African defence time to get across. Could Wales have scored? We will never know but that is twice in two weeks when spectators have managed to get on to the pitch which is really not good enough.  

As the game entered the final ten minutes, Wales held a slender 18-15 lead but the highly physical nature of the encounter was taking its toll on the Welsh defence and the Springboks invigorated by their experienced substitutes could smell blood. After yet another box kick was fumbled by Wales, the Springboks gathered and thought that Mapimpi had scored only to be called back for offside. The Welsh fans sighed with relief.

The relief was short-lived as soon after the Springboks had earned themselves a lineout five metres form the Welsh line. This time there was no mistake and after a virtually unstoppable forward drive Marx touched down. Wales still had a ghost of a chance when the conversion was missed and there were only two points in it at 18-20.

Time was running out and Wales could not make a dent in the resolute Springboks defence. To make matters worse they conceded a last minute penalty and the Springboks were home at 18-23.

Wales were much more competitive this week and from number one to twenty three could not be faulted for commitment or effort. In the end it was probably the South Africans’ confidence that comes from being world champions coupled with the power that they deployed form the bench that won the day. It was a sickener for Wales who had led for most of the match but they should not be too downhearted. It was brilliant to see Ellis Jenkins back and, if he can stay healthy, he will be an enormous asset to Wales going forward. The younger players in the Welsh side will no doubt gain from the experience as they will now need to step up as the old guard gradually stands down. The next two weekends with matches against Fiji and Australia are going to stretch the depleted Welsh squad to the limit. The gruelling schedule of matches for Wales is quite simply ridiculous. I know the WRU need the money but player welfare should come first every time.

In the ground, I have to say, the Covid restrictions were barely visible. Whereas last week people were not allowed to drink at the bars this was not enforced at all. Mask wearing was much reduced and we were almost back to normal. Is anyone going to do anything about this I wonder or are bar sales that important.

Great news! Pooler will be back in action next weekend when they take on Maesteg Quins at the newly refurbished Pontypool Park. It will be great to be back after such a long wait. I am counting down the days! With a host of new signings, it will be exciting to see who takes the field in the red, white and black.

Come on Pooler!

Come on Wales!