Wales outplay Boks

CARDIFF. — South Africa rugby coach Rassie Erasmus has praised Wales for their 20-11 victory over the Springboks in Cardiff on Saturday.

After leading 14-3 at half-times, Wales closed out the match, weathering a fierce Springbok fightback that saw them close the gap to 14-11 with a quarter of the match left.

Erasmus said afterwards the Welsh were the better team and he offered no excuses after the Springboks’ disappointing end to the international season.

“Today was perhaps the first time that I felt we were outplayed after we were always in with a chance in all our other games,” was the forthright assessment from Erasmus.

“They came with no surprises and we knew exactly what they were going to do, but I felt we didn’t adjust our plan like we should have. Wales were good with their kicking game and solid in defence and although we created opportunities our finishing and discipline let us down,” he added.

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi also said Wales showed why they have won nine Tests in a row in Saturday’s victory over South Africa in Cardiff.

“All of us knew that this was going to be our most difficult match of the tour and they made it tough for us,” said Kolisi.

Kolisi bemoaned the fact that illdiscipline had cost his side dearly, allowing Wales to clear their lines when the Springboks were pressing hard on attack.

“They were smart each time we got into their half and we let ourselves down with ill-discipline by giving away penalties, which allowed them to exit from their half. All credit to Wales because they had a great plan it worked out well for them.”

Several Springboks will stay behind in the United Kingdom to play for the Barbarians next week in London against Argentina. — AFP