Gatland buoyed by display of Welsh youngsters as Springboks are edged out in dramatic fashion

Warren Gatland praised Wales’ young talent after they held on to secure a dramatic 22-20 victory over South Africa at Washington’s RFK Stadium. The decision to stage the game had its critics, with both sides fielding inexperienced lineups and former Wales captain Gwyn Jones declaring it a money-spinning PR exercise.

Gatland refuted that claim and his team certainly delivered on the pitch as Ryan Elias’s late try sealed victory for Wales in the US capital.

A late penalty by Robert du Preez looked to have given the South Africans the edge bu the replacement standoff then had a clearance kick charged down by Tomos Williams and Elias pounced to win the game. Gatland said: “Who would want to be a coach? The end was dramatic and maybe our game management could have been better, but I thought we played well in the first half.

“The young guys will take a lot from this and there will be a lot of learning from them moving forwards. I thought [captain] Ellis Jenkins was outstanding and so was Tomos Williams. There are a couple of things to work on, but we are looking forward to going to Argentina now which will be a big step up for us.”

Wales were 14-3 up at the break, with tries by Hallam Amos and scrum-half debutant Williams responding to a penalty by Elton Jantjies.

In the second half, the Springboks hit back with Test debutants Travis Ismaiel and Makazole Mapimpi both scoring tries. Du Preez then replaced Jantjies and kicked South Africa ahead, but Elias won it at the death. Wales wing Steffan Evans suffered a firsthalf injury.

“Steff hyper-extended his knee. It doesn’t look brilliant, but we’ll wait and see ,” G at land said .“the heat was something we’ll experience in Japan at the World Cup next year and that will be a big benefit to us moving forwards.”