Opportunist Parkes lifts the gloom as Wales nearly let it slip
WALES supporters moved into winter with a familiar gloomy feeling even after victory over South Africa because it was a game they should have won by a handsome margin.
They were leading 21-3 after 30 minutes but let their lead slip. The absence of Sam Warburton, Jonathan Davies, Ken Owens, George North, Ross Moriarty and Liam Williams proved significant. Unless their senior Lions stars return, Scotland will arrive for their Six Nations opener in 63 days as favourites.
‘A lot of people are talking up other teams so, from our point of view, long may that continue,’ said head coach Warren Gatland.
‘Given where we are in terms of injuries and experience, we’re in a good place. We’ve blooded some players and developed a bit of depth.’
Hadleigh Parkes, a 30-year-old sheep farmer from New Zealand, was yesterday’s standout newcomer, scoring two tries. Flanker Josh Navidi also furthered his cause, along with Hallam Amos, but Steff Evans failed to shine and Scott Andrews was blitzed at the scrum.
Wales took the lead on five minutes when Dan Biggar’s crossfield kick found Amos on the right, and the winger darted clear to set up Scott Williams. Following a turnover, Parkes picked up Biggar’s neat kick and added a second try.
‘I told Hadleigh to make the most of his opportunity and he did that,’ said Gatland.
‘He’s an experienced player and he’s done great. He’s pretty happy with himself.’
Handre Pollard kicked a penalty for the Boks but Parkes hit back with his second try.
Parkes said: ‘To score two tries on my debut, well, you dream of these things happening.’
A Warrick Gelant try started the South African comeback with Pollard and
Jesse Kriel adding tries after the break. It took a 66th-minute penalty from Leigh Halfpenny to save face and salvage the series for the home side.
WALES: Halfpenny; Amos, Scott Williams, Parkes, Steffan Evans; Biggar (Patchell 46min), Aled Davies; Rob Evans (Wyn Jones 48), Dacey, Andrews, Hill, Alun Wyn Jones, Shingler, Navidi ( Lydiate 75), Faletau. Subs (not used): Dee, Rhodri Jones, Seb Davies, Webb, Watkin.
SOUTH AFRICA: Coetzee (Am 77); Leyds, Jesse Kriel, Venter, Gelant; Pollard ( Jantjies 71), Cronje (Schreuder 71); Kitshoff, Marx (Mbonambi 71), Wilco Louw (Nyakane 69), Etzebeth (Teboho Mohoje 41), De Jager, Kolisi, Du Toit, Du Preez (Cassiem 77). Subs (not used): Dreyer.
Referee: J Garces (France).