PLAYER RATINGS: Taulupe Faletau was simply immense, but Dillon Lewis had a tough time in the scrum as Wales suffered an agonising defeat… and Damian Willemse stole the show
- Damian Willemse starred after moving to No 10 and kicked the winning penalty
- Jasper Wiese played a pivotal role for the Boks with his brutal ball carrying
- Taulupe Faletau was the stand-out in an impressive performance by Wales
Damian Willemse broke Welsh hearts with the final kick of a pulsating Test match as world champions South Africa triumphed 32-29 at Loftus Versfeld.
Willemse’s penalty – awarded following a deliberate knock-on by captain Dan Biggar – denied Wales a draw on Saturday.
And for large parts of a breath-taking contest, Wayne Pivac’s team looked destined to end 58 years of hurt by claiming a first victory over the Springboks in South Africa.
Sportsmail’s ROB COLE rated the players.
Damian Willemse (C) stole the show after moving to No 10 and kicked the winning penalty
SOUTH AFRICA
Damian Willemse – 8
Stole the show after moving to No 10 in the second half and kicked the winning penalty.
Cheslin Kolbe – 7
Came into the game needing one try to reach 50 Test points and scored in the second half.
Lukhanyo Am – 6
Met his match in the midfeld against Tompkins and North .
Damian De Allende – 7
Improved as game wore on and put in kick for Kolbe try.
Makazole Mapimpi – 5
A passenger for so much of the game, got more and more frustrated.
Jasper Wiese played a pivotal role in the victory for the Boks with his brutal ball carrying
Elton Jantjies – 4
So bad in the first half he was taken off at half-time.
Faf De Klerk – 6
Not one of his better days at the office. Became increasingly frustrated.
Ox Nche – 8
Continued to enhance his reputation as a tough scrimmaging loose head.
Bongi Mbonambi – 7
Rounded off first successful driving line-out maul by the Boks with a try.
Frans Malherbe – 6
Carried hard, scrimmaged low and was an immovable rock in the home front row.
South Africa fly-half Elton Jantjies had a day to forget and he was replaced at half-time
Eben Etzebeth – 7
As much of a menace in his 99th test as he had been in everyone before.
Lood De Jager – 7
Into everything and caused a number of problems for Wales
Siya Kolisi (captain) – 6
Quiet day at the office for the inspirational Boks captain.
Franco Mostert – 6
Worked hard and had a great ground battle with new cap Tommy Reffell.
Jasper Wiese – 8
Star man for the Boks with his brutal ball carrying.
Replacements
Willie le Roux for Jantjies 41, Malcolm mark for Mbonambi 48, Steven Kitshoff for Nche 48, Vincent Koch for Malherbe 48, Kwagga Smith for Kolisi 51, Elrigh Louw for Mostert 51, Herschel Jantjies for de Klerk 71, Salmaan Moerat for Etzebeth 70
WALES
Liam Williams – 7
Safe as houses in defence and made the pass that led to the first try.
Louis Rees-Zammit – 8
Plenty of gas, two tries and star performance.
George North – 7
Now looks set to see out his career on the international stage in the midfield.
Nick Tompkins – 7
Brave as a lion and tackled his heart out.
Josh Adams – 6
Game didn’t flow his way, but he was solid in defence.
Wales prop Dillon Lewis had a tough time in the scrum against South Africa
Dan Biggar (captain) – 8
Led his side magnificently and almost won the game for Wales.
Kieran Hardy – 8
Fully justified his selection and enjoyed one of his best performances.
Gareth Thomas – 7
Improving all the time at the scrum and huge in defence.
Ryan Elias – 6
Solid performance in the front row and much better at the line-out.
Dillon Lewis – 6
Tough time at the scrum, but deserves praise for sticking at it.
Number eight Taulupe Faletau was the stand-out in an impressive performance by Wales
Will Rowlands – 7
One of the top Welsh forwards who matched the Boks physically.
Adam Beard – 6
Ran the line-out well on his return to South Africa after last year’s Lions tour.
Dan Lydiate – 7
Never looked out of place on his return to test arena and tackled his heart out.
Tommy Reffell – 7
Great debut that included a trademark turn over.
Taulupe Faletau – 8
The stand-out Welsh player, he was simple immense.
Replacements
Tomas Francis for Lewis 50-51, Dewi Lake for Elias 51, Alun Wyn Jones for Beard 51, Rhys Carre for Thomas 53, Thomos Williams for Hardy 55, Josh Navidi for Lydiate 63, Owen Watkin for Adams 63
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