Valiant Wales beaten by South Africa

A late try from Fourie Du Preez saw a battling Wales side eliminated from the Rugby World Cup after a 23-19 defeat at Twickenham.

It was a pulsating quarter-final throughout and Wales led with 10 minutes remaining on the clock, but their World Cup dream ultimatley came to an end.

South Africa fly-half Handre Pollard kicked five penalties and a drop-goal for his side while Wales’ Dan Biggar scored 14 points and superbly created Gareth Davies’ first half try – his fifth of the tournament.

The Springboks now face the winners of New Zealand and France in the semi-finals at Twickenham next weekend.

In the post-match press conference the point was made that Du Preez was touch and go for the World Cup due to a series of huge injuries, but showed to Coach Heyneke Meyer it was the right decision to pick him.

The first half in this contest was enthralling and relentless right from the word go as George North broke free in the opening minutes but was stopped just short of the line.

Moments later, Wales blew a chance on the right as Gethin Jenkins' pass went over the head of Tyler Morgan and into touch. After missing opportunities to score last week against Australia, Wales couldn't afford for a repeat of that once again.

That might have been playing on the minds of Warren Gatland's side as they went behind despite their quick start as ill-discipline allowed Pollard to give South Africa a 9-3 lead as he was precise from the tee.

Wales seemed on top at the breakdown in the first half with Sam Warbuton and Gethin Jenkins proving vital and they then took the lead on 18 minutes as Biggar produced a moment of magic.

The fly-half kicked high and collected it before offloading impressively to Davies who touched down.

Pollard then restored the advantage briefly for the Springboks before a brilliant drop-goal from Biggar gave Wales a narrow 12-13 lead at the interval.

A frantic start to the second period saw Pollard miss two penalties and Biggar add another one to his tally, but South Africa then started to turn the screw.

Duane Vermeulan, Schalk Burger, Eben Elizabeth and Lood de Jager started to dominate up-front and Pollard reduced the deficit with a drop goal to make the score 15-16.

Wales were now being forced back and after a sustained spell of pressure, South Africa only reclaimed the lead when Pollard nudged over a penalty.

Biggar responded immediately from the restart with his third from the tee, but Gatland’s team still had their backs against the wall. They were being battered by the Springboks and it proved too much for a Wales who were out on their feet heading into the final 10 minutes.

South Africa finally delivered the hammer blow to Wales five minites from time as from an attacking scrum in Wales' 22, Vermeulen produced an outrageous offload to find his captain du Preez who dived into the corner to send his side through to the last four.

Teams

South Africa: Willie le Roux; JP Pietersen, Jesse Kriel, Damien de Allende, Bryan Habana; Handre Pollard, Fourie du Preez (capt); Tendai Mtawarira, Bismarck du Plessis, Frans Malherbe; Lodewyk de Jager, Eben Etzebeth; Schalk Burger, Duane Vermeulen, Francois Louw.

Replacements: Adriann Strauss, Trevor Nyakane, Jannie du Plessis, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Willem Alberts, Ruan Pienaar, Patrick Lambie, Jan Serfontein.

Try: du Preez

Pens: Pollard (5)

Drop-Goal: Pollard

Wales: Gareth Anscombe; Alex Cuthbert, Tyler Morgan, Jamie Roberts, George North; Dan Biggar, Gareth Davies; Gethin Jenkins, Scott Baldwin, Samson Lee; Luke Charteris, Alun Wyn Jones; Dan Lydiate, Sam Warburton (capt), Taulupe Faletau.

Replacements: Ken Owens, Paul James, Tomas Francis, Bradley Davies, Justin Tipuric, Lloyd Williams, Rhys Priestland, James Hook

Try: G Davies

Con: Biggar

Pens: Biggar (3)

Drop Goal: Biggar