South Africa started their year-end tour of the United Kingdom in impressive fashion by beating Six Nations champions Wales 20-15 at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, on Saturday.

Although the Springboks were made to hang on desperately in the end, the two-tries-to-nil margin is as much as the South Africans deserved — even though a string of second half penalties kept the Welsh in the game.

Jan de Koning rates the Welsh players:

15 Lee Byrne:
He was safe under high ball, very good at the back and some great breaks. He was, without doubt, Wales' best back. However, there was a crucial error late in the second half when Wales were looking for the winning score.
7/10

14 Leigh Halfpenny:
He did nothing wrong, but few chances and was closely watched by the Bok defenders.
5/10

13 Tom Shanklin:
Did not make much of an impression, although there was a good tap-back. He is clearly too slow and can't round off opportunities.
5/10

12 Jamie Roberts:
He was steady and made no mistakes, but nothing special.
5/10

11 Shane Williams:
He tried the odd step, but was closely watched by South Africa.
5/10

10 Stephen Jones (replaced by Hook in the 52nd minute):
He was just a link and could have been replaced earlier.
4/10

9 Gareth Cooper (replaced by Peel in the 52nd minute):
Tried a few things, but without much success. Also closed down by SA defence.
4/10

8 Andy Powell:
Great cover and some really strong running. One really good break and without doubt the star of the Welsh team. Could not wish for a better debut from any player.
8/10

7 Martyn Williams:
As always he worked very hard and was valuable at the breakdown.
6/10

6 Ryan Jones (captain):
Like any good captain he put in the hard yards, but he was up against a world class loose trio.
6/10

5 Ian Evans (replaced by Gough in the 66th minute):
He was strong and some solid work at the breakdown and in the set pieces. Steady, rather than spectacular.
5/10

4 Alun Wyn Jones:
He showed some good hands when carrying the ball and did nothing wrong. But he was also up against class opposition.
5/10

3 Adam Jones:
Nothing special in scrums and barely worked his way around the park. Then again, he did face a beast.
4/10

2 Matthew Rees:
Gave away an early penalty for diving over the top, but made up for it with a good workrate.
5/10

1 Gethin Jenkins:
He was meant to dominate the 'rookie' Bok prop, but made no impression of John Smit. Disappointing performance by the Welsh strongman.
4/10

Replacements (20 minutes or more to be rated):

16 Richard Hibbard:
Not used

17 Duncan Jones:
Not used

18 Ian Gough (replaced Ian Evans in the 66th minute):
Not enough time to be rated

19 Dafydd Jones:
Not used

20 Dwayne Peel (on for Cooper 52nd minute):
Looked more lively and provided the spark Wales lacked.
7/10
21 James Hook (on for Stephen Jones in 52nd minute):
Threw an intercept pass minutes after coming onto field, but got his backline going and solid good goal-kicking kept Wales in the game.
6/10

22 Andrew Bishop:
Not used

  • How did you rate Wales? Leave a comment below!

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