DRAGONS IN HISTORY BOKS
South Africa 12 Wales 13
MATT SOUTHCOMBE
WALES made history by beating the Springboks in South Africa for the first time in dramatic style.
A late conversion from Gareth Anscombe, following Josh Adams’ try, was enough to claim a narrow victory in Bloemfontein, drawing the series level at
1-1 heading into the decider in
Cape Town.
Just a week after being denied at the death, it was the time for Wales to strike late against a secondstring Springboks side.
Wales head coach Wayne Pivac (above) said: “It was a bit like last week, hanging in at the end.
Anscombe is a quality kicker, I have confidence in him.
“He missed one, but he got the one that mattered.
“The difference this week is we were more disciplined and didn’t concede as many penalties as last week.
“It allowed us to stay in the game.
“The boys were so keen to get the job done after last week, we thought we had done enough to win it.
“We’re disappointed we are not 2-0 up.
“Next week will be a huge challenge, it will make for a good series.
“It’s a big week for us now.” South Africa had promised to bury Wales in the series at a ground that has been described as a graveyard for opposition sides.
And the tourists looked dead and buried at the Toyota Stadium against a South Africa side, with 14 changes, thanks to four Handre Pollard penalties in a drab game.
But, trailing 12-3,
Wales battled back and crossed with their only real try-scoring opportunity.
Red jerseys finally got some ascendancy as the minutes ticked away and worked good field position for the first time in the match.
The forwards battered away and it created room in the far corner for Adams to go flying over.
Anscombe, on for the injured Dan Biggar, kicked a superb conversion to complete the turnaround.
Flanker Tommy Reffell said: “We talked about staying in the fight, we weathered the storm and we knew if we got possession and territory, we could convert that to points.
“It shows the character we’ve got and the resilience to go right to the end.
“The playmakers made the calls and we went with it, we went wide and Josh had a lovely finish.
“We talked about putting pride back into the Welsh jersey – we’ve come here and showed what we’re all about.”
SOUTH AFRICA:
Pens: Pollard 4
WALES: Tries: Adams Pens: Biggar, Anscombe Con: Anscombe