Rugby Union: Wales Autumn Campaign 2018: South Africa

Wales 20 – 11 South Africa

In winning this fascinating game, Wales have won all four of their autumn tests for the first time ever, winning 9 games in a row for the first time this century and recorded their fourth consecutive victory against South Africa.

Normally November is a time for Welsh fans to sift through the narrow losses and ‘what ifs’ to find the shiny nuggets of progress. In 2018 the positives are there for all. Wales is third in the world, their second-string side can beat tier two nations and at full strength we can beat Australia and South Africa.

Wales are playing a style based on a herculean defense limiting the points their opposition score. From that containment Wales can play how they want to play. They have also added a clinical edge to their game, South Africa probably created the same amount of opportunities as Wales but failed to come away with points. Wales were far more efficient with their possession. So many times in the past Wales have been blown away early and forced to play from behind, which they could, but would be undone by their poor start.

Huge praise must go to Man of the Match Ellis Jenkins. He put in a superb performance and eclipsed stalwart Alun Wyn Jones and resurgent Justin Tipuric to claim the accolade. Unfortunately he also ended the match on a stretcher suffering what, at time of writing, is feared to be a ACL injury.

I think it’s clear to all that being able to play Scotland in the opening test of the Autumn was a great way for the squad to prepare, having the strongest sides earlier on caught Wales off guard, especially the Southern Hemisphere teams coming straight off the Rugby Championship.

I can’t wait for the Six Nations. It is going to be epic to see how Wales and Ireland face off. Wales can clearly beat the teams below them but with only Ireland and New Zealand left above them that truly makes them a threat for the Six Nations and the 2019 World Cup, especially with the depth of talent Wales can now field. It wasn’t that long ago we were distraught at the idea of Rhys Webb left out and the early retirement of Sam Warburton, yet look how quickly new players have stepped up.