New Zealand, who will be Wales’ next opponents at the Principality Stadium on November 5th, got comfortably beaten 26-10 by South Africa in Nelspruit. The world champion Springboks, who Wales have recently beaten, were outstanding from minute one to 80.
Kurt-lee Arendse beat Beauden Barrett to Handre Pollard’s cross-kick as he flicked the ball into the hands of Lukhanyo Am. The Springboks centre proceeded to offload to the diminutive Arendse who ran in unopposed for the opening try which Pollard converted.
Pollard’s boot punished the All Blacks even further before a penalty from the boot of Jordie Barrett meant South Africa only led 10-3 at the interval. But the power of the Springboks pack told after the break with Pollard further extending their lead.
Arendse was subsequently sent off for taking Beauden Barrett out in the air before Shannon Frizell claimed a consolation try for New Zealand after a tremendous break from Caleb Clarke. But South Africa had the final laugh when Willie Le Roux pounced on a loose ball to seal a famous victory for the world champions.
Elsewhere, two of Wales’ other autumn opponents, Argentina and Australia, squared off. Despite a gritty performance from the Pumas the Wallabies ran out 41-26 victors. Tries from Jordan Petaia, Fraser McReight, Folau Fainga’a, and Len Ikitau along with a penalty try secured a bonus point victory for Australia.
Pablo Matera and Juan Martin Gonzalez scored Argentina’s two tries.
Wales’ Autumn Nations Series fixtures
- Wales v New Zealand | 5th November 2022 | K.O – 15:15
- Wales v Argentina | 12th November 2022 | KO – 17:30
- Wales v Georgia | 19th November 2022 | KO – 13:00
- Wales v Australia | 26th November 2022 | KO 15:15
