Jesse Kriel scored twice as South Africa swept Wales in Cardiff. Photo: PA Photo/David Davies Wales 16 South Africa 52
As a reality check in progress, it was a tucked shoulder applied right to the chin. In their final World Cup warm-up match, Wales needed a pride injury score after eight tries inflicted by South Africa.
Of course, Warren Gatland was furious. The previous fortnight had brought victory over England, then a defeat at Twickenham that shouldn't have happened, and, thanks to both, a growing story that the New Zealander had once again used training camp magic, turning the wreck into a combat-ready unit. away in the competition starting in France in three weeks.
The Gatland Dragons may still be able to challenge – and one has to keep repeating that the draw seems to be on their side – but this was the country's worst home turnaround under Gatland, so the reaction was inevitably grim. “Disappointing,” Gatland growled. “We were physically dominated. The only positive is that these players will hopefully learn their lessons.”
To be fair – to use another buzzword after Owen Farrell's red card against Wales last Saturday – there was a softening to grab on to. In a total of 39 caps, Wales' starting back line was wet enough behind the ears to grow leeks. And with the props – Corey Domachowski and Keiron Assiratti – each wearing only one cap, Wales was even greener than that legendary grass at home. Callow be your name.
They were amazingly inexperienced in many areas, and damn it showed. Wales were within three points at the half-hour mark but scored 49 unanswered points less than 40 minutes later. There was at least one dissatisfaction when Rio Dier, an otherwise impressive winger, received a yellow card for hitting the ball from Kanan Moody. Fair enough, Moody – a center who, like Peter-Step du Toit, despite everything, added a couple of attempts to his name – was not going to score, and the penalty was a stupid mistake of the referees.
< p>However, Gatland considered it even more controversial than just that. “I don't think it's a yellow card or a penalty,” he said. “I'll go back and watch replays, but the South African is definitely stuck.”
The defeat was in Wales' The worst defeat in history at home at Gatland. Photo: Getty Images/Ian Cook
In truth, these were contentious issues. The Springboks overwhelmingly defeated and outplayed the hosts, and the returning captain Sia Kolisi, so devastating on the open flank, was removed as a half-time precaution.
The forwards speak for themselves – the appearance of Duane Vermolin in the 49th minute only confirmed that this was a game of men against boys – but the defenders remain a set of tricks. The only thing to worry about is outside midfield Mani Libbock and the fact that he is the one who dedicated himself to number 10 in their ranks.
He has all the touches but his kicks are like both hands and shirt are peeling and it will be interesting to see when and how Khandre Pollard makes it to his team for the World Cup while he recovers from a shin injury.
However, there can be no doubt that it was a marker and Scotland and Ireland will know that the reigning champions have the arsenal to count on Pool B – also known as Group of Death. Jacques Ninaber's team will play Scotland for three weeks on Sunday and Wales will play Fiji later in the day.
This is all in terms of Gatland's competitive 'training' ahead of the Bordeaux victory, and despite that setback , the cunning Kiwi is sure that the oracle can work again and that he can re-emphasize that if you give him a long period with the squad, a completely different picture will be painted.
The evidence is written across his World Championship record with the Dragons: semi-finals, quarter-finals, semi-finals. Another playoff promotion is the least of his ambitions, and in the last three months of preparation and three weeks of buildup, he has found faith.
“Of course we are unhappy. with today, but we are pleased with the progress and how hard we have worked,” he said. “We gave an opportunity to young players. Today. some young players have had the opportunity to play for a world-class team that is fully loaded.”
This is the hope that Wales fans cling to. Maybe only three of that team would be in command against Fiji, while in South Africa it was probably the other way around. Encouraged by this knowledge, Gatland returned to base camp at the Vale Hotel on Saturday evening, ready to reduce his troops to 33.
Expect Jake Morgan on the open side to be captain, and expect some virgin soldiers. to travel.
Johnny Williams drew attention at center, as did Dyer, while before he failed the HIA, linebacker Sam Costelow added even more validity to the idea that he was offering something. something else in this game. role.
However, there are questions, and not all of them have answers. Hooker is a problem, but Sam Parry's touchdown in the last 10 minutes underscored his promise from the bench.
“I was satisfied with the first couple of games in terms of fitness, although today we were not quite on top,” said Gatlant. “We can see where we can get better. And we will do it.”
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