World champions South Africa edged Wales 34-31 on Saturday with an under-strength side at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
Wales, who took the field with high hopes of recording only a second win over the Springboks in 104 years, opted to kick a penalty into touch in the final minutes rather than take the three points which would have given them the draw.
They won the line-out but South Africa, who rested several first choice players involved in last weekend’s Super 14 final between the Bulls and the Stormers, cleared the ball upfield. Wales had raced to a 16-3 lead after an intercept try and drop goal to centre James Hook, who had delayed surgery on an injured shoulder in order to take part.
South Africa fought back to reduce the deficit to 16-14 at halftime with a well-worked try from wing Odwa Ndungane and scored another through flanker shortly Dewald Potgieter after the interval. Centre Juan de Jongh increased the margin with another try against the run of play.
Wales were rewarded for consistent pressure on the South Africa line with a first international try for 18-year-old wing Tom Prydie and replacement forward Alun Wyn Jones scored another to set up a thrilling finale. – Reuters