Wales v South Africa LIVE rugby: Result and reaction after Springboks condemn hosts to winless year

Wales were condemned to the ignominy of a winless 2024 as world champions South Africa proved much too good for Warren Gatland’s embattled side.

The hosts have looked completely bereft of confidence and belief as their losing streak has reached a record-breaking 11 games and they never felt likely to challenge a Springboks side who concluded an unbeaten Autumn Nations Series. There were signs of fight in the Welsh ranks, with Jac Morgan and others standing up impressively to the visitors’ physicality, but the final scoreline was predictably one-sided as South Africa ran in seven tries.

Gatland has looked like something of a broken man at points over the last year and questions about his job security have hugely increased following the historically bad past 12 months, with a real chance that he may leave before the Six Nations begins in February.

Re-live all the action from Cardiff in our live blog below:

Wales v South Africa - live updates from Cardiff

• Wales end 2024 without a win as South Africa outclass host in Cardiff
• FULL TIME: Wales 12-45 South Africa
• TRY! Wales 5-38 SOUTH AFRICA (Gerhard Steenekamp, 63 minutes)
• TRY! Wales 5-31 SOUTH AFRICA (Aphelele Fassi, 55 minutes)
• TRY! WALES 5-26 South Africa (Rio Dyer, 40 minutes)
• TRY! Wales 0-26 SOUTH AFRICA (Elrigh Louw, 35 minutes)
• TRY! Wales 0-19 SOUTH AFRICA (Kurt-Lee Arendse, 20 minutes)
• TRY! Wales 0-12 SOUTH AFRICA (Eben Etzebeth, 9 minutes)
• TRY! Wales 0-7 SOUTH AFRICA (Franco Mostert, 6 minutes)
• KICK OFF!

Wales end year without a win as South Africa highlight sad truth for Warren Gatland

20:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Wales slumped to a 12th successive Test match defeat and head coach Warren Gatland saw the pressure ramped up on him as world champions South Africa won 45-12 at the Principality Stadium.

For the first time since 1937, Wales went a whole calendar year without winning a Test, and many will feel that Gatland’s job is now hanging by a thread.

South Africa were not at their best, but the sad truth for Wales is that they did not have to be.

Wales end year without a win as South Africa show sad truth for Warren Gatland

Warren Gatland on his future

20:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“We’ll have to wait and see what happens over the next couple of days. The last few weeks have been challenging and tough. We question ourselves after each game. But that is no different. When you are losing you do that, but when you are on winning streaks you still ask yourself the same questions. I’ll go and chat with the powers that be, and talk to my family as well.

“The last couple of weeks have been challenging in terms of the negativity. You’ve got to assess what has happened. I’m motivated to want to be here and we’ve got a good group of men who are only going to get better. I do definitely want to be here, it is just about letting the dust settle and talking about if it is the best thing.

“I haven’t offered my resignation since the Italy game. The Six Nations is different. I was genuine about that. But you probably approach the autumn a little bit differently when you are looking to develop players.”

(PA Archive)

Warren Gatland on the latest Wales defeat

20:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“It was a tough game, a really tough game. I can’t question how hard our players tried out there. They gave absolutely everything. They’ll learn massively from that game tonight. Hopefully they will be better for that the next time and the time after that. What the players put in, people should be really proud of that.

“I’m not contented with the result, we are disappointed. But I can’t question how hard the players tried. There need to be learnings that go with that. We know how clinical the world champions are and the power they can bring. That puts you under some pressure. For us, going away from this campaign, a few players are aware that there is some work to do from a conditioning perspective so they are in better shape when we come back for the next campaign.”

Wales captain Dewi Lake on another difficult day

19:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“They’re double world champions for a reason, but I think we showed a lot of heart and character in parts of that game,” the hooker says to TNT Sports.

“We’re probably just not there yet as a group. Discipline in some areas has cost us again - they’re a dangerous team when they’re rolling onto the ball.

“I can’t question the effort. I can’t question the effort. Of course we can [see light at the end of the tunnel]. We’ve got to keep the faith. The journey is just as important as the destination, sometimes.”

(Getty Images)

Franco Mostert speaks to TNT Sports after South Africa’s win

19:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“We enjoy Wales. We knew they had their backs against the wall, and when a team is like that they get the best out of themselves. We knew it was going to be a tough game, so credit to Wales and our boys for pulling it through.

“Coach Rassie said at the start of the week that we are here to get better. We felt last week, our performance was a little bit individual, even in a great win against England. This week we focussed on playing as a team.

“As players, we always back the management. The way Rassie brings in the new guys is that nothing changes - we have a system, and if you fit in that system, we’ll always be a great group together.”

(Getty Images)

FT: Wales 12-45 South Africa

19:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That’s that for Wales - they end the year without a Test win, predictably out-classed as the Springboks flexed their muscles. Some creditable performances from young Welshmen in there, with Jac Morgan tireless in the tackle, but the gulf in quality and physicality was clear throughout.

FULL TIME: Wales 12-45 South Africa

19:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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TRY! WALES 12-45 South Africa (James Botham, 81 minutes)

19:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle

They can! A year of toil and torment ends with a Wales try, James Botham powering over. It matters not bar the final accounting, but Wales never quit - even if Ben Thomas’s conversion is the final kick of a winless 2024.

Wales 5-45 South Africa, 79 minutes

19:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Wales may finish on the attack, though, granted a chance in the Springboks’ 22 by an errant crossfield kick. Can they give their long-suffering fans a final flourish after the toughest of years?

TRY! Wales 5-45 SOUTH AFRICA (Jordan Hendrikse, 76 minutes)

19:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A neatly-taken try! A deft offload from the deck by Handre Pollard keeps South Africa’s momentum rolling, and then the half backs combine, Cobus Reinach wriggling his limbs out of a tackle and setting up Jordan Hendrikse for the try. Hendrikse converts to leave the Springboks eyeing 50.

Wales 5-38 South Africa, 75 minutes

19:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Wales have just run out of punch in attack, though. A couple of relatively unthreatening carries and South African hands get to breakdown ball, earning a turnover penalty. 15 times the hosts have been whistled.

Wales 5-38 South Africa, 73 minutes

19:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Thwack! RG Snyman somehow stays standing as he is clattered by two Welshmen throwing their full force at the gargantuan lock, who is eventually felled and forced to hold on by a home jackaller.

Wales 5-38 South Africa, 70 minutes

19:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Handre Pollard is again deployed as a first phase carrier, the burly fly half relishing a different role in midfield as Rassie Erasmus assesses his tactical options. Pollard did feature at inside centre a fair bit during his time at Montpellier, and has made a couple of crunching carries here.

South Africa make half a break before toeing into the corner. Ryan Elias’s dart is spot on under a bit of pressure.

Kemsley Mathias is the last replacement on the park - a late call-up after Gareth Thomas fell ill, he relieves Nicky Smith.

Wales 5-38 South Africa, 66 minutes

19:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And as sure as night follows day....Springboks penalty.

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Wales 5-38 South Africa, 66 minutes

19:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Just not quite accurate enough from Wales, knocking on seven metres or so from the line. Josh Hathaway then gets a cheer as he gets low to lift Siya Kolisi up a la Patrick Swayze in Dirty Dancing, giving the Springboks captain a bit more of a bumpy landing than enjoyed by Jennifer Gray received. It counts for nothing, of course, with that earlier Welsh spill giving South Africa a scrum.

Wales 5-38 South Africa, 64 minutes

19:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Just over 67,000 fans in, a vast improvement on last week’s rather disappointing figure. The Welsh fans have given it their all and might need to lift the noise again to get their struggling side through this last quarter.

Cheslin Kolbe is dumped rather uncomfortable in a tip tackle but the whistle had gone a while beforehand for a Springboks’ infringement. Into the South Africa 22 the hosts kick.

TRY! Wales 5-38 SOUTH AFRICA (Gerhard Steenekamp, 63 minutes)

19:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Punch and power and over the Springboks go!

It was, sadly, inevitable, Welsh forwards who have fronted up physically so well in their 22 at times just unable to repel the green wave. Gerhard Steenekamp provides the telling rumble from short range.

Wales 5-31 South Africa, 61 minutes

19:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Karl Dickson blows his whistle again as the Welsh front row struggle to combat the Springboks scrum. Unsurprisingly, they opt to pack down once more, but not before their bench has been emptied - Marco van Staden and Cobus Reinach are the last two South Africa replacements to be used.

Wales 5-31 South Africa, 59 minutes

19:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Not ideal - Welsh scrum feed results in a South Africa penalty, and down into the home 22 the world champions go. An effective maul sack will ensure the Springboks have to play away from the lineout drive, with Handre Pollard a somewhat unlikely crash ball option.

Penalty again to the visitors, and they are delighted to be able to call Wales in for a scrum six metres from the try line. Ryan Elias replaces Dewi Lake.

Wales 5-31 South Africa, 57 minutes

19:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Three changes for Wales. Tommy Reffell is on for Will Rowlands, sparking a bit of a back five shuffle with Christ Tshiunza back into the second row. Max Llewellyn steps out as Owen Watkin takes his place, while Rhodri Williams replaces Ellis Bevan, who has gone pretty well at the base against a side so adept at hustling scrum halves.

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TRY! Wales 5-31 SOUTH AFRICA (Aphelele Fassi, 55 minutes)

19:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

But the Springboks strike in the broken field!

They really are a team for all seasons. Wales never quite set themselves defensively having traipsed up after Murray’s clearing kick, and Kurt-Lee Arendse has the sharpness of hands, feet and thought to capitalise. A delicate dummy is nonetheless deceptive enough to fool two defenders and send the wing scuttling through a gap, with a well-timed pass putting Aphelele Fassi in at a canter.

Wales 5-26 South Africa, 54 minutes

18:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A rare error in contact from Jasper Wiese, fumbling forward and thumping the floor after he knocks on. Blair Murray boots upfield.

Wales 5-26 South Africa, 53 minutes

18:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And that proves even more costly as the Springboks flip the field. Jesse Kriel’s massive tackle jars the ball free in midfield before Dewi Lake tries a rather optimistic chip and chase, the hooker well beaten in the speed stakes. South Africa’s kick is rather better and Josh Hathaway slices out on the full under pressure.

Wales 5-26 South Africa, 52 minutes

18:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Argh! Frustration for the home fans as Dewi Lake’s fizzed throw to the tail sails over the head of his catchers with Wales unable to execute their lift. South Africa clear their lines.

Wales 5-26 South Africa, 51 minutes

18:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle

An offside penalty will allow further advancement - Ben Thomas pokes out of play five metres from the Spriungboks line.

South Africa will make a change before the lineout is thrown. Handre Pollard replaces Damian de Allende and will step in at inside centre.

Wales 5-26 South Africa, 49 minutes

18:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle

South Africa are just playing a little loosely here. A sliced Aphelele Fassi kick is reclaimed but Siya Kolisi’s offload is to no-onbe in particular, and a barging ‘Bok is rightly penalised as a scramble for the bouncing ball ensues. Wales enter enemy territory.

Wales 5-26 South Africa, 47 minutes

18:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Time for a Welsh debutant - Freddie Thomas has been one of a number of Welshmen go well at Gloucester this season and earns his first cap in the second row.

Wales 5-26 South Africa, 45 minutes

18:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle

How has Kurt-Lee Arendse escaped from there? The wing looks to be in the grips of Taine Plumtree but teleports out of contact and has suddenly broken the line. He foolishly ignores support runners, though, with a try-scoring pass surely on offer, and South Africa are eventually turned over.

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Wales 5-26 South Africa, 45 minutes

18:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The Springboks’ bomb squad are beginning to get ready but the starting front row will have one more scrum first - and they do their job, winning a penalty that Dewi Lake isn’t at all happy about. The hooker is seemingly even more confused after Karl Dickson explains his decision.

Here come those changes: off go Thomas du Toit, Johan Grobbelaaar and Wilco Louw; welcome Gerhard Steenekamp, Malcolm Marx and Vincent Koch. Gulp.

Wales 5-26 South Africa, 43 minutes

18:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Sterling work from Taine Plumtree, somehow stripping the ball free of RG Snyman’s leviathan limbs as South Africa threaten. Bits of Wales’s defence have been really good today.

Wales 5-26 South Africa, 42 minutes

18:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Changes. Back amongst things having been on briefly during Sam Costelow’s HIA earlier is Eddie James, with Costelow again opff and Ben Thomas in at fly half. Cameron Hanekom, meanwhile, makes his international debut against the land of his grandmother - the newest Springbok is on for Elrigh Louw in South Africa’s back row.

Wales 5-26 South Africa, 41 minutes

18:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ellis Bevan has managed to avoid the problems Jack van Poortvliet dealt with against South Africa last week, his box kicks clearing any Springboks blocking hands. But, to quibble, his box kick is slightly long, allowing South Africa to counter-attack well before eventually being forced into touch inside the Welsh 22.

Second half...

18:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The players are back out there, both bearing those early tight five changes (RG Snyman for Eben Etzebeth; Keiron Assiratti for Archie Griffin) but no with other alterations for now, it would seem.

HT: Wales 5-26 South Africa

18:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

You feared at times in that first half that the game would get out of hand, with Wales seemingly unable to escape their own end and the Springboks piling on the pressure. But while the half-time score is, predictably, one sided, Wales have shown real steel and scrambling savvy to hold out a couple of times, preventing the Springboks from totally running away with it.

That Rio Dyer score should instil a bit of much-need confidence, too, having at last got on the right side of the referee’s whistle and shown what they can do in attack. A winless year surely beckons but it is important for this young home side to show character.

HALF TIME: Wales 5-26 South Africa

18:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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TRY! WALES 5-26 South Africa (Rio Dyer, 40 minutes)

18:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Life for Wales just before the interval!

Sheer sprinting speed from the recalled Rio Dyer! It looks as if Wales have run aground when after a fair bit of forward huffing and puffing, Ben Thomas is caught a long way behind the gainline. But a wild fling out to the right is gathered by Dyer, who fancies testing his pace against Jordan Hendrikse. He’s right to, putting on the afterburners to leave the South Africa fly half trailing in his wake on his way into the right corner. How Wales needed that!

Wales 0-26 South Africa, 39 minutes

18:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Three whistles on the spin against the Springboks as their aerial efforts at the lineout are deemed illegal. Lake opts to throw again...and hits banker ball at the front. Into another shove Wales launch with a few backs lending their weight.

Wales 0-26 South Africa, 38 minutes

18:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

South Africa infringe again. “Take the three!” a few supporters cry, fearing a nilling; Dewi Lake ignores them and chooses to give himself another five-metre lineout to throw.

Wales 0-26 South Africa, 36 minutes

18:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That might be it for Archie Griffin’s afternoon. The tighthead is replaced by Keiron Assiratti.

Wales win a penalty from the restart, and kick to the corner. Can they break tehir duck before half time?

TRY! Wales 0-26 SOUTH AFRICA (Elrigh Louw, 35 minutes)

18:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle

But this one will count!

Classic Springboks. Their scrum simply pulverises their outmatched Welsh counterparts, driving them back over the ball and virtually into the River Taff. Jasper Wiese taps the inevitable penalty as quickly as possible and back row chum Elrigh Louw burrows through the remaining metre to score.

NO TRY! Wales 0-19 South Africa, 33 minutes

18:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

No try! Jaden Hendrikse’s fingers were caught in a jumble as Wales tried to disrupt breakdown ball, and the officials conclude quickly that the scrum half knocked it on.

The hosts survive again!

Try? Has Siya Kolisi scored South Africa’s fourth!

18:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A vibrant, violent passage involving forwards and backs ends with the Springboks skipper crashing over - but was there a knock-on or forward pass in the build-up?

Wales 0-19 South Africa, 31 minutes

18:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Problems in the Hendrikse household as Jaden’s slightly off-line pass is fumbled by brother Jordan, the fly half perhaps guilty of trying to put some footwork on before he had safely secured possession.

Wales just can’t get out of their own way at the moment. Josh Hathaway is a second Welshman pinged for a tackle in the air and Dewi Lake is called over for a chat by referee Karl Dickson. Consider the captain warned about his team’s discipline.

Wales 0-19 South Africa, 30 minutes

18:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The Welsh scrum creaks slightly but Archie Griffin does really well to hold his feet and form. Ellis Bevan clears to touch about 30 metres from the line.

Wales 0-19 South Africa, 29 minutes

18:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The pressure is relentless. Jordan Hendrikse so nearly collects a chip over the top to score South Africa’s fourth.

Here is a problem for Rassie Erasmus, though - Eben Etzebeth is limping badly. He trudges off in some discomfort as the Springboks fans (and a few Welsh ones, too) give him a huge ovation. What a player. RG Snyman is on.

The two sides of Springboks enforcer Etzebeth: ‘On the pitch, my mindset switches’

Wales 0-19 South Africa, 25 minutes

18:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Held up again! More last-ditch stuff from Wales as Aphele Fassi is somehow denied! A cross-kick from Damian de Allende is intelligently batted back into play by Cheslin Kolbe, but Blair Murray recovers from being beaten in the air to get underneath full-back Fassi and prevent him from touching down.

Wales 0-19 South Africa, 25 minutes

18:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Yikes. Well, it had been a solid start at the scrum from Wales, but Archie Griffin is folded by Thomas du Toit as two Bath teammates tangle. Du Toit, two spots ahead of Griffin in a loaded tighthead room at The Rec, is playing out of position on the loosehead today, but his scrummaging might remains.

Wales 0-19 South Africa, 23 minutes

18:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That’ll be handy, too, a knock on near halfway from South Africa after an ambitious attempt to play with pace inside their own half. Wales try to settle into their shape, a forthright carry from Dewi Lake helping, but it isn’t long before they go to the skies. Aphelele Fassi comes from deep to try and defuse the bomb but cuts the wrong wire - knock on, Wales ball again.

Wales 0-19 South Africa, 22 minutes

18:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Sam Costelow has passed his HIA and returns in the place of Eddie James. So little is going right for Wales, though - they infringe almost immediately after the restart.

That will help, though - Jordan Hendrikse misses touch, allowing Wales to defend somewhere other than inside their own 22 for a change.

TRY! Wales 0-19 SOUTH AFRICA (Kurt-Lee Arendse, 20 minutes)

18:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle

No they cannot!

Swift, accurate hands from the Springboks grant Kurt-Lee Arendse a sliver of space - and that’s all the lively wing needs, like a wasp buzzing between would-be Welsh tacklers and providing the try-scoring sting. Jordan Hendrikse adds the extras.

Wales 0-12 South Africa, 19 minutes

18:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A solid set-piece drill from South Africa, but Wales’ maul defence has been strong so far. Can they hold firm elsewhere as the Springboks spread it...?

Wales 0-12 South Africa, 17 minutes

18:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Wales kick short, somewhat surprisingly, and South Africa can launch another offensive into the home 22. Cheslin Kolbe and Eben Etzebeth work a classic small-man, big-man combination to threaten, but it is back for another penalty they come after the attack runs aground.

No change in strategy - to the corner to see if the Springboks maul can get on the march.

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Wales 0-12 South Africa, 15 minutes

18:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Held up! Siya Kolisi wrestles out of a tackle and keeps his legs pumping, but that’s outstanding scrambling from Jac Morgan and James Botham, locking around the ball to prevent the Springboks skipper from grounding. Goalline dropout.

Wales 0-12 South Africa, 15 minutes

17:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Just about stalemate, the officials conclude, as the first scrum hits the deck. Referee Karl Dickson orders a reset.

Stable and steady and away Jasper Wiese goes in search of a third Springboks score.

Wales 0-12 South Africa, 14 minutes

17:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Welsh hands disrupt the lineout well, though a knock on in the air will bring about the game’s first scrum. It was perhaps the only area where Wales went well against the Wallabies - though this is a significantly tougher challenge, one would suggest.

Wales 0-12 South Africa, 13 minutes

17:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Two penalties against the hosts allow the Springboks to march deep into Welsh territory. And there’s another advantage coming...

South Africa will take it gladly. Jordan Hendrikse prods his forwards into the corner once more.

Wales 0-12 South Africa, 11 minutes

17:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A worrying period for Wales now. Eddie James is on early, with Sam Costelow off for an HIA - Ben Thomas will presumably slide across to fly half, where he was stationed on the tour of Austraalia in the summer.

TRY! Wales 0-12 SOUTH AFRICA (Eben Etzebeth, 9 minutes)

17:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Anything Mostert can do, his lock partner can do better!

Two tries in a matter of moments! Wales are dispossed on their own ten-metre line by a vicious Springboks counter-ruck and trouble is brewing as soon as prop Thomas du Toit plucks the ball. Eben Etzebeth first frees Kurt-Lee Arendse before showing off seriously impressive speed to stay with the wing, taking his inside pass to stride in.

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TRY! Wales 0-7 SOUTH AFRICA (Franco Mostert, 6 minutes)

17:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Scintillating from the Springboks!

What rugby! It starts with Kurt-Lee Arendse’s work in the air, the dimunitive wing getting up to claim superbly and then bumping off a tackler. He is felled but Wales are short of number as South Africa use the width on the right, Damian de Allende, Siya Kolisi and co. thundering on. Cheslin Kolbe cuts inward at the right time to keep the ball in play and readily available, and lumbering lock Franco Mostert then hits a dreamy line back against the grain to finish it off. Over goes the conversion.

Wales 0-0 South Africa, 5 minutes

17:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

An excellent kick from Jordan Hendrikse takes the Springboks down into the 22. Johan Grobbelaar hits his jumper at the tail, and off the Boks go, fly ghalf Hendrikse jinking dangerously.

But that’s fine work from Wales in the shadow of their own posts, getting after breakdown ball and drawing a penalty. A chance goes begging for the visitors - though they may wonder if Nicky Smith was on his feet...

Wales 0-0 South Africa, 3 minutes

17:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A first sign of what the world champions can do, Aphelele Fassi cleverly spotting space on the counter-attack and deftly dinking into the hands of an onrushing Jesse Kriel. Kriel’s attempt to toe ahead is diverted into touch by Welsh legs.

Back, though, for a South Africa penalty - a tackle in the air after Costelow’s second high hoist.

Wales 0-0 South Africa, 1 minute

17:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Jordan Hendrikse takes the pass of his brother Jaden, the fly half booting long as South Africa clear their lines quickly. Wales go to the air early in their first possession, Sam Costelow sending one skywards for Rio Dyer to chase. The Springboks are equal to it.

KICK OFF!

17:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ben Thomas puts boot to ball and we are underway in Cardiff!

Wales vs South Africa

17:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Plenty of South Africans in, judging by the green and gold streaks in the stands and a full-throated singing of their anthem. It’s soon drowned out by a mighty version of “Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau” - the Welsh side may be down on their luck but there is never any shortage of feeling from the fans.

Wales vs South Africa

17:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Out the players come as the final few late-arriving spectators take their seats. Cardiff was perhaps slightly more subdued than usual for a matchday earlier, but the energy feels good here - for now.

Wales vs South Africa match officials

17:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Referee: Karl Dickson (England)

Assistant Referee 1: Christophe Ridley (England)

Assistant Referee 2: Damian Schneider (Argentina)

TMO: Andrew Jackson (England)

FPRO: Stuart Terheege (England)

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Wales vs South Africa

17:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It has been a truly wretched day in Cardiff, the wind high, the rain heavy. Thankfully, all inside the Principality Stadium are safe from the elements.

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Will Rowlands backs Wales to break out of ‘brutal situation’ in Springboks clash

17:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Will Rowlands accepts that Wales find themselves in “a brutal situation” as they prepare to face South Africa following 11 successive Test defeats and raging speculation about their head coach’s future.

Wales and Warren Gatland are behind the eight-ball ahead of an Autumn Nations Series finale that has landslide defeat written all over it.

The double world champion Springboks arrive in Cardiff as Rugby Championship title holders with 10 wins from 12 Tests this year.

Will Rowlands backs Wales to break out of ‘brutal situation’ in Springboks clash

Cheslin Kolbe: ‘To win World Player of the Year would be special, but that’s not anywhere close to my mind’

17:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Likeliest to be Etzebeth’s closest rival for the individual gong is teammate Cheslin Kolbe:

Cheslin Kolbe: ‘To win World Player of the Year would be special’

The two sides of Springboks enforcer Eben Etzebeth: ‘On the pitch, my mindset switches’

16:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Jean Kleyn’s withdrawal yesterday means another record-extending start for Eben Etzebeth, the most capped South African rugby player of all time. With another World Player of the Year nod entirely possible, I spoke to him ahead of the autumn to get inside the mind of the Springboks’ enforcer:

The two sides of Springboks enforcer Etzebeth: ‘On the pitch, my mindset switches’

World Rugby award nominees

16:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Lock Eben Etzebeth, flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit and wing Cheslin Kolbe have all been nominated for World Rugby Men’s Player of the Year in a Springboks-dominated shortlist, but there is no place for South Africa teammate Ox Nche with the prop snubbed by the voting panel.

Loosehead Nche had appeared to be among the standout candidates for the award after an outstanding year at international level, yet has missed out to his three colleagues and Ireland’s Caelan Doris. No prop has ever made the shortlist for the prestigious individual gong, which was first awarded in 2001.

Springboks dominate Player of the Year shortlist but Ox Nche snubbed by World Rugby

TNT Sports encouraged by Autumn Nations Series viewing figures

16:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The November rugby internationals have seen strong levels of interest across Europe with executives at governing bodies and broadcasters understood to be pleased with viewing figures.

TNT Sports, who are in their first year as the UK broadcaster of the Autumn Nations Series after taking over from Amazon, are said to be particularly encouraged by the week-on-week growth in interest in their first significant, sustained involvement in international rugby.

The England vs South Africa clash last weekend set a new record rugby audience for the channel, formerly BT Sport, with interest in line with top Premier League and Champions League games.

TNT Sports encouraged by Autumn Nations Series viewing figures

Late Welsh changes!

16:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A bit of pre-match shuffling for Wales with an ill Gareth Thomas and Tom Rogers, dealing with a sore calf, both forced to withdraw. Prop Nicky Smith and wing Josh Hathaway are promoted from the bench; Kemsley Mathias and Owen Watkin are called in as replacements.

Updated Wales XV: 1 Nicky Smith, 2 Dewi Lake (captain), 3 Archie Griffin; 4 Will Rowlands, 5 Christ Tshiunza; 6 James Botham, 7 Jac Morgan, 8 Taine Plumtree; 9 Ellis Bevan, 10 Sam Costelow; 11 Rio Dyer, 12 Ben Thomas, 13 Max Llewellyn, 14 Josh Hathaway; 15 Blair Murray.

Replacements: 16 Ryan Elias, 17 Kemsley Mathias, 18 Keiron Assiratti, 19 Freddie Thomas, 20 Tommy Reffell; 21 Rhodri Williams, 22 Eddie James, 23 Owen Watkin.

Siya Kolisi and Rassie Erasmus reveal the secrets behind the Springboks’ evolution

16:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Rugby is a game of grey areas. From foul play to scrum-time skirmish, one’s opinion on a particular incident can vary greatly depending on the lens through which it is viewed. Even top officials disagree with regularity on moments of contention, while plenty a perplexed look from a player has betrayed an alternate view at a coaching or refereeing call.

It is partly through their ability to thrive within these indeterminate spaces that has helped the Springboks become double World Cup winners. While their unique approach to the sport has so often driven debate, South Africa have generally managed to innovate or dominate in ways that no other side seems capable. From loading up with seven forwards on the bench to maximise their second-half scrum impact, to employing traffic lights in the coaches’ box to improve on-field decision-making, it is a side that searches for every possible edge.

But now even the Springboks are stepping out of the grey.

Siya Kolisi and Rassie Erasmus reveal the secrets behind the Springboks’ evolution

Warren Gatland is the best coach in the world says Wales assistant Rob Howley

16:10 , Luke Baker

Wales assistant Rob Howley has described Warren Gatland as the world’s best coach and insists the under-fire boss is going nowhere.

“We’ve got the best coach in the world who has had a legacy of over 13 years,” Howley said. “He has won grand slams, and there is no better coach to have in your camp than Warren Gatland. He gives players the confidence and self-belief they need to go out and play.

“He is a hugely respected coach and has coached over a number of years. His legacy with different teams is a winning legacy. I think that at the moment we are in this spell where we are losing and losing. We, at some point, know we will win, and I hope it will be on Saturday.

“I just feel at the moment we’ve got the best coach who has got years of experience. He understands rugby, and I believe that Wales have got the best coach in the world to get us out of this.”

(PA Archive)

Wales v South Africa talking points: Six Nations offers little respite

16:00 , Luke Baker

With Wales expected to end the year reeling from 12 successive Test defeats, attention will quickly turn to the Six Nations, which they begin against France in Paris on January 31.

It is the toughest of openers, then Wales head to Rome eight days later for an appointment with Italy that is already being billed in some quarters as a wooden spoon decider.

Heavyweights Ireland and England will make the journey to Cardiff, either side of a Murrayfield clash against Scotland, where Wales lost 35-7 on their last visit in 2023. The losing run has to end some time, somewhere, but pinpointing an exact date and location is far from straightforward.

(Getty Images)

Wales v South Africa talking points: Springboks’ enviable strength

15:50 , Luke Baker

South Africa’s revered rugby juggernaut rolls into Cardiff for a game the Springboks are expected to win easily.

Even though head coach Rassie Erasmus has made several changes from the team that saw off England last time out, the starting line-up still has a combined 515 caps, while the bench total of 431 is almost 100 more than Wales’ entire match-day 23.

It is difficult to see an area of the game where Wales can establish parity, let alone dominance, and South Africa’s record victory in the Welsh capital of 52-16 could come under serious threat. It is easy to be pessimistic, given Wales’ current plight, but reality points to South Africa cutting loose.

(AFP via Getty Images)

Wales v South Africa talking points: Have Wales fans had enough?

15:40 , Luke Baker

Judging by the numbers that streamed out of the Principality Stadium as Australia ran riot late in Wales’ last game, patience would appear to be wearing thin.

There were hundreds of empty seats by the time Australia eased past 50 points, and why would supporters not feel disillusioned with the current state of affairs?

The first two autumn fixtures were a combined 30,000-plus short of capacity, and while kick-off times have not helped – there were two Sunday games at 1.40pm and 4.10pm, and the South Africa match will swing into action at 5.40pm – Wales fans in many cases are voting with their feet, and the prospect of another comprehensive defeat looms large.

(AFP via Getty Images)

Wales v South Africa talking points: Wales’s year from hell

15:30 , Luke Baker

Results-wise, 2024 will be remembered as the worst in Wales’ 143-year international rugby union history. It began with a madcap 27-26 home defeat against Scotland – the Scots’ first win in Cardiff since 2002 – and they did not recover.

A narrow away loss to England followed, before Wales shipped 31 and 45 points against Ireland and France, while a home defeat against Italy meant they lost every Six Nations game and propped up the table.

The summer brought further reversals against South Africa and Australia (twice), then Fiji and Australia triumphed during the Autumn Nations Series, leaving the Springboks in position to complete what would be a true annus horribilis.

(PA Archive)

Wales v South Africa talking points: Farewell to Warren Gatland?

15:20 , Luke Baker

Gatland is under intense pressure, and it would be no surprise if Saturday’s Principality Stadium encounter turns out to be his last Test match in charge of Wales.

The New Zealander has expressed his desire to continue, but results are stacked against him. Wales have not won a Test since the 2023 World Cup, while defeat this weekend would condemn them to a whole calendar year without tasting Test match success, which has not happened since 1937.

It is conceivable that Gatland, whose second stint as Wales head coach is in stark contrast to a trophy-laden first term from 2008 to 2019, could continue into the Six Nations later this season, yet the odds do not appear in his favour.

(PA Archive)

Wales vs South Africa prediction: Boks set to beat up sorry Welsh side

15:10 , Luke Baker

Wales host world champions South Africa at the Principality Stadium on Saturday evening and rugby betting sites don’t give the home side much hope of snapping their record 11-game losing run

Quite simply, it has been one of the worst years in Welsh rugby history as they have failed to win a single game in 2024 and it is now over 400 days since their last victory, against Georgia at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, with the autumn offering no respite from the misery.

Check out our predictions and betting tips for the clash:

Wales vs South Africa prediction: Boks set to beat up sorry Welsh side

Broken Wales face rugby’s biggest test as Warren Gatland aims to avoid another new low

15:00 , Luke Baker

Many a frustrated writer in search of a metaphor has plucked from the passages of 1 Samuel in the past but this week, the tale of David and Goliath feels apt. Cast, naturally, in the role of the feared Philistine giant are the world champion Springboks; playing their part as the young, overmatched shepherd are a Wales side beaten in their last 11 games and swallowing down nervously the reality that an entire calendar year without a win beckons.

David was at least armed with a staff, five stones and a slingshot; in their current configuration, Warren Gatland’s side look comparatively underpowered. Harmonious elegies seem to play each time a callow side venture in to the grounds of their once intimidating Cardiff castle, mournful howls from the bastions from a public by now expecting little – and yet still finding themselves disappointed.

Read Harry Latham-Coyle’s full preview of this afternoon’s clash:

Broken Wales face greatest rugby test as Warren Gatland aims to avoid another new low

South Africa team news

14:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

South Africa pair the Hendrikse brothers in the halves, with Jaden’s inclusion at nine and Jordan’s at ten the only changes to the starting Springboks backline that beat England. There are other alterations up front, where Johan Grobbelaar, Thomas du Toit, Franco Mostert and Elrigh Louw all come in.

Ox Nche had initially been named in the side having recovered sufficiently from a cut to his knee, but has now been rested with Wilco Louw starting again, while Eben Etzebeth steps up after Jean Kleyn was forced to withdraw with a niggle. Cameron Hanekom, who would have qualified for Wales via his grandmother, is set to become South Africa’s 12th debutant of the year having been named as one of six forwards on the bench.

South Africa XV: 1 Thomas du Toit, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 3 Wilco Louw; 4 Eben Etzebeth, 5 Franco Mostert; 6 Siya Kolisi (capt.), 7 Elrigh Louw, 8 Jasper Wiese; 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 10 Jordan Hendrikse; 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 12 Damian de Allende, 13 Jesse Kriel, 14 Cheslin Kolbe; 15 Aphelele Fassi.

Replacements: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Marco van Staden, 20 RG Snyman, 21 Cameron Hanekom; 22 Cobus Reinach, 23 Handre Pollard.

Wales team news

14:30 , Luke Baker

Warren Gatland makes a number of changes to the Wales side that began against Australia, with Sam Costelow promoted to replace Gareth Anscombe at fly half. Aaron Wainwright and Cameron Winnett, two of Gatland’s best performers this year, are also absent, while key lock cog Adam Beard is ruled out with a knee issue.

Rio Dyer returns on the wing and Christ Tshiunza and Taine Plumtree are brought in to the starting pack. On the bench, Gloucester lock Freddie Thomas is primed for a debut.

Wales XV: 1 Gareth Thomas, 2 Dewi Lake (captain), 3 Archie Griffin; 4 Will Rowlands, 5 Christ Tshiunza; 6 James Botham, 7 Jac Morgan, 8 Taine Plumtree; 9 Ellis Bevan, 10 Sam Costelow; 11 Rio Dyer, 12 Ben Thomas, 13 Max Llewellyn, 14 Tom Rogers; 15 Blair Murray.

Replacements: 16 Ryan Elias, 17 Nicky Smith, 18 Keiron Assiratti, 19 Freddie Thomas, 20 Tommy Reffell; 21 Rhodri Williams, 22 Eddie James, 23 Josh Hathaway.

When is Wales vs South Africa?

14:15 , Luke Baker

Wales vs South Africa is due to kick off at 5.40pm GMT on Saturday 23 November at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage on the channel from 5.15pm GMT. Subscribers can stream the action via discovery+.

Everything you need to know about Wales v South Africa

14:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A wounded Wales face the toughest of tasks against South Africa as Warren Gatland’s side welcome the world champions to Cardiff.

An 11th defeat in a row against Australia condemned Wales to the worst run in their history, with growing doubt over head coach Gatland’s future.

Things don’t get easier at all with the Springboks in town — Rassie Erasmus’s tourists may be yet to hit their Rugby Championship heights but both Scotland and England have been beaten by two scores or more.

With Wales so lacking in confidence, another damaging afternoon could be on the cards but a young side will be hoping to show their spirit in their final Autumn Nations Series fixture.

Here’s everything you need to know:

Is Wales v South Africa on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch

Wales v South Africa

13:00 , Luke Baker

Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of Wales v South Africa from Cardiff.

Warren Gatland’s Wales will try to avoid a winless 2024 but the signs aren’t positive as they face the fearsome, double reigning world champion Springboks with almost no one giving them a chance of springing an upset