The sky in Cardiff was gray from the start on Saturday morning, with the pouring rain only stopping a few hours before kick-off.
The weather reflected the mood of Welsh rugby. Inside the Principality Stadium, the roof of the iconic stadium has been closed to protect Wales’ loyal and passionate fans from the elements.
But despite the brave faces put on by onlookers, the mood was just as grim.
Warren Gatland’s Wales have now lost 12 consecutive international defeats. After a winless autumn, the Welsh Rugby Union is set to hold a review of Gatland’s status as manager in the coming weeks, which on the face of it seems untenable.
But there is no guarantee that Gatland will move on. The WRU’s review includes independent rugby experts.
Based purely on sports analysis, the most inevitable conclusion is that Wales need a coaching change. This was another difficult afternoon. All the bravest fights of Wales have been those of men and boys.
Wales lost 45-12 to South Africa, their 12th consecutive loss.
It was a difficult day for the Dragons, who were outplayed and outplayed in Cardiff.
Another heavy defeat put further pressure on an already battered Warren Gatland.
It is no surprise that South Africa, back-to-back world champions, have recorded seven comprehensive wins.
However, the clear gap between the two sides in terms of fitness and quality of rugby showed how far behind Wales were compared to the rugby elite.
Wales hope a review of Gatland’s performance and new deals with four professional sides are completed before Christmas.
This means that a decision on Gatland’s future will not be made immediately, but realistically it will be made around mid-December. It is understood that the decision to move from Gatland (if this is the direction of travel) will not be hindered by financial factors.
Gatland has announced his intention to stay, although some wonder whether the harsh criticism he has received this month has changed his mind.
The only saving grace for the Welsh faithful was that this result was not as bad as the 96-13 defeat to South Africa in 1998. This remains a record loss for the country.
Wales’ opening price of 22/1 showed how opposed Gatland’s men were. And they weren’t helped by two late withdrawals the day before kickoff.
Prop Gareth Thomas and wing Tom Rogers were withdrawn from duty due to illness and calf injuries. Nicky Smith and Josh Hathaway were promoted to starters.
It was no surprise that South Africa recorded a comprehensive win in seven attempts on Saturday night.
The clear grade difference between the two sides in terms of fitness and quality of rugby shows how far Wales have fallen behind rugby’s elite in recent times.
The WRU paid tribute to their missing former players before kick-off and the crowd cheered loudly when the face of the legendary and courageous JPR Williams appeared on the big screen.
What could Wales have done here with the talent and fortitude of the great Williams? Welsh rugby may be in trouble today. But that patriotism remains. The home anthem was delivered with enthusiasm.
Captain Dewi Lake took the lead and thundered in for Franco Mostert. However, it didn’t take long for the play pattern predicted before the game to materialize.
First, player of the match Mostert roared as the Welsh defense parted like the Red Sea. Then his fellow giant lock Eben Etzebeth scored two after South Africa countered a Wales kick through Kurt-Lee Arendse.
Wales were 19-0 down after 20 minutes, with Arendse the third scorer. It was a one-way street and South Africa had 76% possession and 70% territory after the opening.
Wales’ effort is unquestionable. However, their enthusiasm led them to concede a penalty for offside. The Springboks are not a team that can help. Only excellent defense from Hathaway and Blair Murray prevented what looked like a sure-fire try on Springbok Aphelele Fassi.
The giant Etzebeth walked with a limp. A break for Wales? Arguably the bigger RG Snyman came out. To be honest, it all seemed a little unfair.
South Africa’s accuracy was not total. Captain Siya Kolisi’s effort was ruled out by Jaden Hendrikse’s strike. However, in the resulting scrum, South Africa sent a Welsh pack into orbit, with Elrigh Louw crashing home to score.
The Welsh Rugby Union is expected to conduct a review of Gatland’s managerial position (centre) in the coming weeks, which ostensibly appears untenable after another defeat.
The Welshman’s only saving grace was that this result was not as bad as the 96-13 defeat to South Africa in 1998. This remains a record loss for the country.
Wales were struggling, but the problem could have been much worse if South Africa had struggled outright. Wales’ first combined attack just before the break ended with a deft finish from Rio Dier. Dyer showed excellent speed. The roof was almost out of its place.
Wales were physically monstrous in the opening 40. They had to throw themselves to the ground just to stay within 20 points.
Young prop Archie Griffin limped off after being destroyed in one scrum. There was no doubt in Wales’ mind. They moved on. But the key offensive lineout was wrong. And Fassi went straight up the other end and scored.
The combination of South Africa’s raw power and the dancing feet of Cheslin Kolbe and Arendse is a devastating combination.
Gerhard Steenekamp, ​​part of South Africa’s ‘bomb squad’ forward replacement squad, scored his sixth from close range. On the bench, Lake’s head was in his hands.
Hathaway, who learned a tough lesson in defense against the game’s best team, picked up Springbok leader Kolisi with a thunderous tackle. This sums up Wales’ efforts. This is something we can base our upcoming review on.
But success in international rugby is about more than just fighting. With the game long since over in the dying embers of the contest, the Welsh crowd broke into a Mexican wave.
It wasn’t that long ago that Wales supporters expected to beat South Africa. Now things couldn’t be more different. Welsh rugby has a long way to go.
Jordan Hendrikse, who finished with 15 points, sealed the win and a brave James Botham ensured Wales had finished the scoring, but those in charge of reviewing the WRU will have plenty to ponder as they look to the future. Only time will tell whether Gatland will be part of that.
