DREAM IS OVER Pivac’s so proud of Wales

WAYNE PIVAC was frustrated but proud as his Wales side bravely failed in a bid to win a first series against the Springboks in South Africa.

It proved a game too far for Pivac’s men against the world champions as Wales fell short.

The Dragons head coach said: “I’m a little frustrated with the scoreline and disappointed with that but certainly not disappointed with the effort that’s gone into the last six weeks.

“We came here to try to win the series and we were serious about that. The players came together well and we can take a lot of positives for that.

“I’m pleased to have got the history of the win last week, but this week there were some big moments where the pressure paid dividends for them.

“There was a charge down in the 22 and then a couple of lineouts in attacking situations that were not straight and overthrown.

“We will learn from that, but in all I’m pleased with the tour itself.”

Talisman

With South Africa’s talisman Eben Etzebeth earning his 100th cap in his home city, the Springboks came out fired up.

All of the early pressure came from the hosts and they were denied by the TMO twice in the opening 10 minutes as Makazole Mapimpi put a foot in touch and Damian de Allende was stopped

short of the tryline.

But the dam eventually broke when Handre Pollard powered his way over after 13 minutes.

With the playing surface crumbling under the players’ feet, Wales settled nicely.

A sweeping Welsh move that involved plenty of George North saw Tommy Reffell charge his way over after 18 minutes.

The Springboks finished the half strongly, though, as Wales’ discipline crumbled and hooker Bongi Mbonambi, earning his 50th cap, crossed. Pollard’s conversion meant it was 17-8 at the break.

Threaten

Dan Biggar knocked over two quick penalties at the start of the second half but the Boks continued to threaten, with Lukhanyo Am being called back after a forward pass.

But they would soon cross for a five-pointer when captain Siya Kolisi tumbled over after a handful of powerful carries from the Bok forwards.

Pollard added the extras to wipe out Biggar’s early second-half kicks.

A gutsy Welsh side refused to be blown away.

But some inaccurate lineout throwing in key positions undermined their efforts – with Pollard sealing victory for the

hosts with two late penalties.

Wales centre North said: “For massive parts of the game we didn’t have enough ball.

“You know when you play South Africa it’s going to be a battle. But it’s a great shift from the lads.”

SOUTH AFRICA: Tries: Pollard, Mbonambi, Kolisi. Pens: Pollard (3). Cons: Pollard (3). WALES: Try: Reffell.

Pens: Biggar (3).