Good afternoon and welcome to the live commentary of the
Rugby World Cup quarter-final match between
South Africa and Wales.
The Springboks overcame their surprise defeat at the hands of Japan in their opening Pool B game by winning their remaining three matches to top the group and set up the encounter against Wales this afternoon.
Heyneke Meyer's men produced a fine performance in their last match to hammer the USA 64-0, but will be in for a much sterner test today.
Wales should have beaten Australia last week to avoid the clash against South Africa as they had the Wallabies on the rack for the majority of the second half when they were reduced to 13 men. However, Australia were resilient in defence and held off the Dragons to claim a narrow victory to top Pool A. Gatland will be hopeful that his side can be more clinical in the final third today.
South Africa have managed to reach the quarter-finals in every tournament they have competed in since 1995 after being allowed into the competition following the end of apartheid. The Springboks were triumphant in 1995 and again in the final against England in 2007, but will be determined to go further than their exit in the last eight in the last tournament when they lost to Australia.
Wales have progressed beyond the quarter-finals of the competition just twice in their previous seven attempts. The Dragon reached semi-finals of World Cup in 2011 before they weer defeated by France, resulting in a fourth-place finish. Meanwhile, they finished in third place in the first tournament when they beat Australia in the bronze-medal match after being hammered by New Zealand in the semis. A lot at stake for Gatland and his men today.
Let's take a look at the confirmed lineups this afternoon, starting with the Springboks.
SOUTH AFRICA: Mtawarira, Du Plessis, Malherbe; Etzebeth, Lood de Jager; Louw, Burger, Vermulen; Du Preez, Pollard, Habana, De Allende, Kriel, Pietersen, Le Roux
Replacements: Strauss, Nyakane, Du Plessis, Du Toit, Alberts, Pienaar, Lambie, Serfontein
WALES: Jenkins, Baldwin, Lee; Charteris, Wyn Jones; Lydiate, Warburton; Faletau; G. Davies, Biggar, North, Roberts, Morgan, Cuthbert, Anscombe
Replacements: Owens, James, Francis, B. Davies, Tipuric, Williams, Priestland, Hook
Barney Corkhill is at Twickenham this afternoon and he reports:
"It is a chilly day at Twickenham for the opening quarter-final, but it promises to be a fiery and fiercely-contested match on the field. Both sides relish the physical battle and whoever comes out on top in the forwards should win this match. Wales had the edge in their win last November and keep seven of the eight from that pack, but their scrum in particular has been an area of weakness at the World Cup, while South Africa have been impressive there.
"The big question is whether Wales can raise their game again. We shouldn't doubt them after they have already overcome so much adversity to reach this stage, but this is the third former World Cup winner that they have faced in this tournament. This could well be one match too far for Warren Gatland's injury-ravaged squad."
Meyer has made just one change to the side that defeated the USA last time out as JP Pietersen comes back into the starting lineup to give the Springboks a frightening combination on the wings with Bryan Habana.
Wales have made three changes to their side following their spate of injuries, which has blighted their World Cup campaign. Gethin Jenkins, Dan Lydiate and Tyler Morgan all come into the lineup to replace Liam Williams, Paul James and Justin Tipuric. Williams joined Jonathan Davies, Scott Williams, Cory Allen, and Hallam Amos on the sidelines last week.
Wales have won just two of their 30 meetings against the Springboks. Fortunately for Gatland's men one of their victories came in their last match when they ran out 12-6 victors at the Millennium Stadium. However, South Africa had won the previous 16 meetings, including their Pool clash at the 2011 World Cup.
Barney Corkhill is in place at Twickenham for Sports Mole ahead of kickoff.
Jamie Roberts has revealed that he is ready for "complete warfare" against the Springboks.
He told BBC Sport: "This week all the players are relaxed but ready for complete warfare, come the 80 minutes. Having played South Africa many times in my career, you have to match them physically before anything else.
"The way they play the game, if you lose the battle of the gain-line you are 80-90% towards losing the game.
"They have gone back to how they play the game best - that's how they won the World Cup [in 2007]. That is the challenge that faces us, but for us to get that win last November was a huge step in our learning curve.
"It is a World Cup quarter-final and to play in games of this magnitude is what you dream about."
Meyer believes that the Springboks have slowly clicked into gear at the tournament following their shock defeat to Japan in their opening game.
He told BBC Sport: "It's hard when you have to win every single game, but it has helped us.
"You always have to look at your opponents and respect them. They have also been under huge pressure in their pool, so it's probably the same for both teams.
"But we've got all the players back that we wanted right from the start and they are hitting form. We're playing knock-out rugby and hopefully we can take that further."
Barney Corkhill shares his pre-match prediction as the players emerge on to the pitch at Twickenham.
"I hate to say it, but I just can't see Wales winning this one as well. They have done well to make it this far and, with a fully fit squad, I may have backed them to go all the way. But you can't ignore their crippling injury list and the Springboks are bang in form since that opening defeat to Japan. I'm going for South Africa by six."
The anthems are over, we're ready for the off at Twickenham.
KICKOFF! Pollard gets us underway with a deep kick into the Wales half.
An early solid kick from Biggar as he sends a penalty from an infringement from the Springboks into their half.
Morgan strips the ball from his opposite number Kriel, and Wales recycle the ball quickly to the left. North collects the ball and surges down the sideline and through a couple of tackles before he finally is brought down by Le Roux inches short of the tryline.
Wales keep the ball alive and the move the ball to the right, looking to send Morgan into space. Lee tries an ambitious pass to pick him out on the sideline, but his pass goes over the centre's head into touch.
Wales cannot capitalise on their two surges into the South Africa 22 as Faletau is called for a penalty and Pollard can clear the ball away for the Springboks.
North commits a penalty as he attempts to steal the ball on the deck following a challenge on Du Plessis. A chance for Pollard to kick for the posts.
PENALTY! South Africa 3-0 Wales (Pollard)
Pollard sends South Africa into the lead with an accurate kick from the touchline. A solid effort from the 21-year-old.
Barney Corkhill reports from Twickenham:
"That was a storming start from Wales, who were just yards short of beginning this match in perfect style. South Africa have responded with a counter-thrust, however, and it is they who have the first points on the board."
The Springboks earn another chance to kick for the posts as Wales commit another error at the breakdown. Pollard stands over the ball about 40 metres away, but it's a straight kick for the fly-half.
PENALTY! South Africa 6-0 Wales (Pollard)
Simple kick from Pollard as he sends his effort through the posts.
Wales respond immediately as Lee helps win the ball from the kickoff as a result of a turnover in the ruck. Charteris makes two bruising runs before the South Africa defence is penalised for holding on to the ball at the breakdown. Biggar has the chance to pull his side within three points.
PENALTY! South Africa 6-3 Wales (Biggar)
The errors don't stop from Gatland's men as they commit another mistake the breakdown, yielding another penalty for the Springboks.
PENALTY! South Africa 9-3 Wales (Pollard)
Pollard sends his kick through the posts from a tight angle as his strong start to the afternoon continues.
TRY! South Africa 9-10 Wales (Davies)
Gareth Davies hands Wales the lead as Biggar sends a kick up into the air and he battles Le Roux to come down with the ball. He advances through on the tryline before he gets tackled, although he manages to release just in time to send Davies through for the score and he touches down, despite pressure from Pietersen. Biggar has no problem sending the kick through the posts.
A mistake from the kickoff by Charteris as he is penalised for obstruction, and Pollard has the chance to put his side ahead once again.
PENALTY! South Africa 12-10 Wales (Pollard)
The lead does not last for long for Wales as Pollard sends another kick through the posts. This one was closer it just shaved the inside of the post before sailing through. Penalties are becoming a problem for the Dragons this afternoon.
Wales win a penalty of their own, which is just on the edge of Biggar's kicking range, although Warburton goes for touch. The Dragons send the ball out wide from the lineout, but the Springboks make an interception through De Allende, who breaks away before being tackled at midfield.
Wales clear their lines following a breakaway and North puts Pietersen under pressure, and the the South Africa wing is forced to boot the ball out of touch to avoid losing the ball with no support from his teammates.
Barney Corkhill reports from Twickenham:
"What a match this has been so far. Wales consistently look dangerous with ball in hand - more so than South Africa - but it is their discipline that is letting them down so far. It has been a breathless and thrilling opening 25 minutes.
North gets penalised for the second time in the match this time for holding on to the ball under pressure in the ruck and Pollard sends the resulting kick into the Wales half for an attacking lineout for the Springboks.
Gatland's men secure a vital turnover on the edge of their 22, and it allows them to clear the danger. Action packed match so far, and the scoreline is just about fair considering the mistakes Wales have made in their own half.
Pollard sends an up and under towards the right wing for the run of Pietersen, who has the angle on North. However, the ball lands just out of his reach and sails into touch. An intriguing battle down the sideline between North and Pietersen.
Wales continue to show improvement at the breakdown as Warburton manages to steal the ball from under Burger, which allows Biggar to clear the danger. The defence from Gatland's men has been solid this afternoon bar their mistakes that have led to penalties.
Warburton gets isolated in an attack through the middle of the South Africa line, and is penalisd for holding on to the ball. However, Charteris stops the Springboks from building an attack of their own by bundling De Jager into touch.
Wales win a penalty just on the edge of Biggar's range and this time Warburton opts to for the posts. A lead at the break for the Dragons would be huge in the context of the match.
MISS! Biggar sends his kick at the posts, but the ball starts to swerve away at the last moment and clatters off the upright.
DROP GOAL! South Africa 12-13 Wales (Biggar)
Wales do take the lead just before the break as a knock on from Burger allows the Dragons a scrum inside the South Africa 22. Davies ensures his side take the ball and sets up protection for the fly-half, allowing him time to send his kick through the posts. A crucial moment in the match.
HALF-TIME: South Africa 12-13 Wales
Wales take a narrow lead into the break as they managed to fight back from early mistakes to take the match to the Springboks.
Handre Pollard had shown accuracy with his boot to put South Africa ahead, but a try from Gareth Davies brough Wales back into the match following impressive work from
Dan Biggar. The fly-half continued his strong showing by bouncing back from a missed a penalty kick to send a drop goal through the posts right on the whistle.
Barney Corkhill reports from Twickenham:
"Wales go into the halfway stage with the narrowest of leads, then, and you have to say that they deserve it. They have generally played the better rugby but have simply given away too many penalties - both in their own half and the opposition half. The Springboks have just edged the territory and possession, but they have given away too many turnovers. Either side could cost themselves the match if they don't improve in those areas. As a contest, though, it has been thoroughly entertaining."
RESTART! Biggar gets the match back underway.
Burger kicks the ball deep and it takes an unfortunate bounce for North, who tries to gather five metres from the tryline. South Africa come with the pressure and Wales are unable to get out of their 22, which leads to a penalty for the Springboks.
MISS! Pollard misses for the first time today as he sends his kick from the left sideline wide of the right upright. The kick lacked any curl on it and didn't look good from the off.
Wales earn the chance to put the Springboks further behind as Burger commits an error at the breakdown by refusing to let go of Roberts as he tried to release.
PENALTY! South Africa 12-16 Wales (Biggar)
Biggar sends his kick through the posts from 35 metres and Wales extend their lead to four points.
South Africa respond with a strong attack deep into the Wales 22 as Habana and Kreis make surging runs towards the line before the Wales defence stiffens. Pietersen weaves his way through a couple of tackle before sending the ball out to Burger on the left, but the Dragons manage to steal the ball and clear.
DROP GOAL! South Africa 15-16 Wales (Pollard)
Pollard sends a drop goal through the posts from a similar distance to Biggar's in the first half after a forward press from the Springboks was bogged down by resilient defending from Gatland's men. South Africa move within a point.
South Africa keep the pressure on Wales in the early stages of the second half and force a penalty at the breakdown.
MISS! Pollard misses for the second time in the as this time his kick has too much curl from the right touchline and it drifts wide of the left upright.
Wales are forced into more defensive action as Le Roux weaves his way over the gainline, and he then offloads to Habana, but a thunderous tackle from Cuthbert stops him in his tracks. The Springboks continue to pound away at the Wales line, but they hold firm and turn the ball over once again to alleviate the pressure.
Barney Corkhill reports from Twickenham:
"Wales are having to get through a huge amount of defensive work at the moment. The second half has picked up right where the first left off, with the only change being that South Africa are looking more dangerous with the ball in hand now. This is energy-sapping stuff for the Welsh, though, and with one point in it that could prove important."
Anscombe tries to lift the ball over the South Africa line, but Habana makes the block and chases the ball down. The Wales full-back gets there just ahead of Habana, but the pressure comes from the South Africa pack at the breakdown, which results in a penalty for the Springboks.
PENALTY! South Africa 18-16 Wales (Pollard)
Pollard rediscovers his accuracy at the vital moment for the Springboks as he fires his kick inside the right upright to hand his side the lead once again.
Wales hit back right from the kickoff as they burst through the ruck and overpower the Springboks, resulting in a penalty. Biggar has an opportunity to restore his side's advantage with a kick for the posts.
PENALTY! South Africa 18-19 Wales (Biggar)
Biggar continues his strong display for the Dragons with a solid kick between the posts.
South Africa advance with numbers at the middle of the Wales defence to try to draw numbers in at the breakdown, but the Dragons hold them at bay and win the ball at the ruck once again to stop the attack in its tracks. Davies sends the ball deep into the Springboks' 22 and Le Roux is forced into a hasty clearance under pressure from North.
Wales's turn to put the pressure on the Springboks as Cuthbert makes surge between a couple of defenders to break into the 22. Roberts and Faletau hammer the the South Africa defensive line, but they hold and Vermulen forces the mistake from Owens to bring the penalty for Meyer's men. This match is too close to call.
Both sides produce excellent rugby as Hook wins the ball for Wales at the breakdown, but South Africa hit back in numbers and plow over the top of the Welsh as they attempt to clear the danger. Referee Wayne Barnes opts to give a scrum rather than a penalty to South Africa, which allows Gatland to breathe again.
TRY! South Africa 23-19 Wales (Du Preez)
South Africa regain the lead by crossing the tryline for the first time in the match at the vital moment. Their forwards wheeled the scrum to the right side and Vermulen peeled off the back with the ball in hand, but was tackled by Williams and Cuthbert. However, the number eight offloaded the ball out of the back of his hand to Du Preez on the charge, and he made no mistake diving over at the corner. Pollard gives Wales hope by missing the conversion.
Nightmare for Wales as Roberts gets isolated on a surge forward and South Africa force the penalty as the centre is penalised for holding on at the ruck. Lambie kicks for touch and allows for valuable time to tick off the clock.
Wales win a penalty and drive towards midfield, but they cannot make inroads into the Springboks half. Eventually the mistake comes from the Dragons and Du Preez hammers the ball into touch.
FULL-TIME: South Africa 23-19 Wales
Heartbreak for Wales as they are dumped out of the World Cup despite a spirited performance against the Springboks. There was nothing between the sides for 75 minutes of the match before Vermulen and Du Preez combined to produce a bit of magic for South Africa to fire them to the semi-finals of the competition.
Barney Corkhill reports from Twickenham:
"Incredible, incredible match. Wales must be heartbroken having come so close to another against-all-odds victory, but they can be so proud of their performance here. South Africa, meanwhile, have proved that they are up for the toughest of fights and will be a force to be reckoned with in the last four."
Wales fought valiantly in the contest despite being without several key players due to injury, and Gatland will have every reason to be delighted with his team. However, they've crashed out again at the hands of a Southern Hemisphere side at the World Cup and have failed to reach the last four for the sixth time out of eight attempts.
Meyer will be elated with his side as they managed to overcome a fierce defensive performance from the Welsh to power to victory. The Springboks will now turn their attention to the clash between New Zealand and France to see their opponent for their last-four clash.
Thanks for joining our commentary this evening. Be sure to stay with Sports Mole for our continued coverage of the Rugby World Cup later today. But for now, it's goodbye.
