The Springboks broke their Cardiff curse when they were victorious against Wales with 23-18 tonight. The Principality Stadium has been anything but a happy hunting ground for the Springboks in recent times. The Springboks have lost their last four fixtures at the Principality Stadium, with their last win in 2013 with 24-15.
The match as expected was an arm wrestle played in very wet conditions. The game was still up for grabs at the end of the first half, however, the Springboks took control of the forward battle as well as the match when they came out for the second half. It was a very close match on the scoreboard but it must be said an easier win on the field.
09:40 Dan Biggar put the first points on the scoreboard with a converted penalty for Wales (03-00).
11:26 Handré Pollard converted a penalty as an immediate answer to the Wales penalty to level scores (03-03).
13:27 Dan Biggar added another three points with a converted penalty for Wales (06-03).
17:40 Handré Pollard converted his 2nd penalty for the Springboks (06-06).
20:00 The first 20 minutes were played in seething rain, with both teams going for high kicks and not taking any chances on defence and attack. The Springboks are struggling to handle the high kicks from Wales when kicked on Mapimpi, otherwise a very even battle.
26:50 Dan Biggar converted his 3rd penalty for Wales (09-06).
30:32 Ox Nche (Springboks) showed a yellow card.
31:15 The Springboks ill-discipline allowed Dan Biggar to convert his 4th penalty (12-06).
35:25 Rhys Carré (Wales) sent off with a yellow card.
41:11 Handré Pollard converted his 3rd penalty for the Springboks.
40:00 A tight and close battle fought in wet conditions with the Springboks' ill discipline costing them several attacking opportunities. The Springboks were also guilty of declining several opportunities to convert penalties but rather opted for 5m line-outs even though they were most of the time one man down upfront.
50:28 Dan Biggar continue his superb goal kicking to extend Wales' lead (15-09).
54:19 Frans Steyn convert a penalty from inside his own half (15-12).
59:42 The scores are level after Handré Pollard converted the Springboks 5th penalty (15-15).
60:00 The Springboks started the second half playing very positive rugby with great individual moments from several players. However, an arm wrestle was predicted and that was exactly what we got.
64:33 Dan Biggar converted his 6th penalty for the home team (18-15).
72:48 Malcolm Marx goes over from the back of a lineout maul for the Springboks 1st try of the match (18-20).
80:00 Elton Janthies sealed the Springboks' win with a converted penalty (18-23).
Scorers:
Wales: Penalties: Dan Biggar (8).
Springboks: Try: Malcolm Marx. Penalties: Handré Pollard (3), Frans Steyn, Elton Jantjies.
Teams:
Wales: 15. Johnny McNicholl, 14. Louis Rees-Zammit, 13. Jonathan Davies (c), 12. Nick Tompkins, 11. Josh Adams, 10. Dan Biggar, 9. Tomos Williams, 8. Aaron Wainwright, 7. Taine Basham, 6. Ellis Jenkins, 5. Adam Beard, 4. Will Rowlands, 3. Tomas Francis, 2. Ryan Elias, 1. Rhys Carré. Replacements: 1. Bradley Roberts, 17. Wyn Jones, 18. WillGriff John, 19. Ben Carter, 20. Seb Davies, 21. Gareth Davies, 22. Gareth Anscombe, 23. Liam Williams.
Springboks: 15. Damian Willemse, 14. Jesse Kriel, 13. Lukhanyo Am, 12. Damian de Allende, 11. Makazole Mapimpi, 10. Handré Pollard, 9. Herschel Jantjies, 8. Duane Vermeulen, 7. Kwagga Smith, 6. Siya Kolisi (c), 5. Lood de Jager, 4. Eben Etzebeth, 3. Trevor Nyakane, 2. Bongi Mbonambi, 1. Ox Nché. Replacements: 16. Malcolm Marx, 17. Steven Kitshoff, 18. Vincent Koch, 19. Franco Mostert, 20. Jasper Wiese, 21. Cobus Reinach, 22. Elton Jantjies, 23. Frans Steyn.