Frustration for Pivac as weary Welsh fall short
THIS was a step too far for Wales, as Wayne Pivac admitted.
South Africa struck a blow back for the southern hemisphere on a day the north had their fair share of joy.
After Ireland and England sealed series victories in New Zealand and Australia respectively, there was to be no home nations hat-trick in Cape Town.
Pivac’s Wales made history on Springbok soil this summer by claiming second Test glory after losing the first. The Bloemfontein win was their first in South Africa.
It meant Wales went into a decider with a series win possible. That they were even in such a position was remarkable given the paucity of their Six Nations campaign. Ultimately, their aspirations were snuffed out by trademark Springbok power. Wales, in bits by the end after the longest of seasons, could not withstand the home assault.
It meant South Africa took the series 2-1. For Wales, it was defeat, although they will take several positives from this tour.
‘It was a bridge too far in the end,’ said head coach Pivac. ‘But I can’t fault the effort that went in. We were pretty banged up throughout the week which took its toll.
‘We are a little bit frustrated with the score at the end.
‘Coming here the goal was to win the series and we were serious about that. We can still take a lot of positives from this. We are pleased to get the history of a win.
‘When we get together in the autumn, we will be a year out from the World Cup and we need to build on this. The positives outweigh the negatives.’
Wales were dealt two big eve-ofmatch blows. No 8 Taulupe Faletau was the latest of withdrawals from the decider with a side injury suffered in the warm-up.
Josh Navidi was the man to step in and Taine Basham was promoted to the benchm where Rhys Patchell replaced Gareth Anscombe.
The Cape Town pitch was, frankly, a disgrace and totally unfit for Test rugby. Players on both teams slipped left, right and centre as the surface cut up.
South Africa, dominant both in the air and on the ground, took a 10-0 lead thanks to Handre Pollard’s try which saw Dan Lydiate forced off after a clash of heads with fellow forward Ryan Elias.
But Wales, who conceded eight penalties in the first 25 minutes, hit back. George North and Nick Tompkins, who both had fine games, danced forward. Josh Adams then went close, but Tommy Reffell was in support to score.
Bongi Mbonambi’s try, on his 50th cap, gave South Africa a 17-8 lead at the break and although the boot
of Dan Biggar reduced the deficit to three points, it was the hosts who found another gear.
South Africa captain Siya Kolisi crashed over for the game’s crucial try after 52 minutes, and Pollard’s kicking then put the game out of reach for Pivac’s men.
Wales were out on their feet by the end. But their bottle cannot be questioned and their defence impressed across the three Tests.