Wales v South Africa: Five takeaways from the Rugby World Cup ...

Following a 52-16 victory for South Africa over Wales in their Rugby World Cup warm-up, here’s our five takeaways from the match at the Principality Stadium on Saturday.

Springboks a class above in Cardiff

It was almost men against boys on the international stage as Wales were bullied at times by a formidable South Africa side that turned the screw in all areas.

Up front the scrum was dominant, their option taking in attack was a level above, while a ruthlessness saw them flex their muscles on the gain-line.

Eight tries, including the penalty try, will please Jacques Nienaber and Rassie Erasmus as while it was a typically hulking performance at breakdown and scrum, with ball in hand they caught the eye. Jesse Kriel and Canan Moodie starred with two tries apiece while the whole pack impressed in a handsome win.

It was a statement showing ahead of the World Cup and there’s no doubt, if ever there was one, that South Africa are serious contenders to defend their 2019 crown.

Sharp Siya

Not bad for his first game in 119 days. The Springboks captain was excellent in his 40 minutes on the field, setting up one try, making an outstanding cover tackle on Cai Evans and also carrying hard throughout.

Kolisi could have just eased himself back but that’s not the inspirational skipper’s way as he went full throttle for the first half before he was replaced by Marco van Staden. Considering he suffered a serious knee injury in April, which put his Rugby World Cup in doubt, this was a superb return.

The 32-year-old could well play next weekend against the All Blacks in South Africa’s final warm-up, but the coaches now have the option of wrapping him up in cotton wool knowing that he is ready for the global tournament.

???? Amazing first half from Siya Kolisi!

???? Just 119 days ago, the Springboks captain tore a ligament tear in his knee!#WALvRSA pic.twitter.com/x5JidnpzKI

— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) August 19, 2023

A true gauge of where Wales stand

We were quite surprised with Warren Gatland’s men in their double-header against England, especially considering their struggles in the Six Nations, but we did wonder whether it gave a false impression over their true capabilities.

And that proved to be the case as they were absolutely smashed in all departments by the Boks. If anything, this match rather showed how poor the English look heading into the World Cup, with South Africa finding it easy to breach the Welsh defence.

There were few standouts from the hosts, who were physically overwhelmed by the defending world champions and ultimately could not withstand the immense pressure the Springboks forward put them under. Still so many concerns for Gatland.

Manie Libbok goal-kicking could cost Springboks

Doubts continue to circle around the reliability of Manie Libbok as a goal-kicker and this afternoon’s performance off the tee only amplified those concerns. The fly-half missed two penalties and two conversion attempts in the opening half as he slotted just one kick from four attempts at goal in those 40 minutes.

Fortunately for the Springboks their running game was on song as they pulled Wales apart with four first-half tries, but due to Libbok’s wayward kicking hope wasn’t lost for Wales as they went in just 15 points down. South Africa did ultimately manage to run out deserved winners but that won’t always be the case.

If Libbok cannot sort out his form off the tee, it could cost the Springboks in the business end of the World Cup as tries tend not to win in knockout games.

Gatland still none the wiser over best side

After the victory over England two weeks ago, the Welsh head coach stated that he only knew three of his starting line-up for their opening World Cup clash with Fiji, and we doubt this match would have provided any further answers.

Rio Dyer and Johnny Williams provided a bit of spark, while Jac Morgan was once again their best forward, but there wasn’t much else from the hosts. Dan Biggar and Liam Williams will probably be thankful they were ruled out late on as their reputation was enhanced as a result of their absence.

If the majority of this 23 were to miss the final squad they couldn’t complain, but the issue for Gatland is that there’s no guarantee those who missed out on selection on Saturday would have done any better.

READ MORE: Eight-try Springboks put 52 points on Wales in Siya Kolisi’s comeback game