The dark clouds continued to gather over Welsh rugby as Wayne Pivac’s men suffered their heaviest ever home defeat to South Africa, going down 45-12 at the Principality Stadium. The loss marked Wales’s 12th consecutive defeat in a winless 2024 that will go down as one of the worst years in their rugby history.
South Africa’s Dominant Display
The Springboks put on a ruthlessly efficient display in Cardiff, scoring seven tries without ever hitting top gear. Their dominance was exemplified by the two early tries scored by towering lock forwards Franco Mostert and Eben Etzebeth, both of whom finished off breaks made by the electric backline.
Wing Kurt-Lee Arendse was the star of the show, scoring one try himself and setting up several others with his pace and trickery. Despite some determined Welsh resistance, the visitors were always in control, going into halftime with a commanding 26-5 lead.
Wales’s Woes Continue
For Wales, it was a now all-too-familiar story of gritty effort undermined by a lack of cutting edge and basic errors. They managed two consolation tries through Rio Dyer and James Botham but spent most of the afternoon camped in their own half, repelling wave after wave of green and gold.
We cannot question the players’ commitment. At this moment in time we are just not good enough.
– Terry Cobner, WRU President
The result piles more pressure on beleaguered head coach Wayne Pivac, who saw two experienced players – prop Gareth Thomas and wing Tom Rogers – withdraw from the matchday squad at the last minute due to illness and injury respectively. With resources already stretched thin, it was another cruel blow for Pivac to absorb.
Where to Now for Welsh Rugby?
The defeat leaves Wales in a precarious position heading into the 2025 Six Nations, where they will open their campaign with a daunting trip to defending champions France. The WRU have promised a “full and frank review” of the disastrous Autumn Nations Series, with independent experts from within the sport being consulted.
Pivac has reiterated his desire to stay on and lead Wales to the 2025 World Cup. But with results worsening and the clamor for change growing louder, the Kiwi coach will know he is drinking in the last chance saloon. Welsh fans will hope the WRU’s promised review can provide some much-needed clarity and direction for a rugby nation that appears utterly lost at sea right now.
| Principality Stadium, Cardiff | Wales (12) | South Africa (45) |
| Tries: | Dyer, Botham | Mostert, Etzebeth, Arendse, Louw, Fassi, Steenekamp |
| Conversion: | Costelow | Hendrikse 2, Willemse 2 |
| Penalty: | Hendrikse |
