Rugby videos of tackles, tries, funny incidents and more: Wales undone by Springbok comeback in Cardiff classic

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Wales undone by Springbok comeback in Cardiff classic

The Springboks came back from being down 20-9 to hang on in the face of immense pressure and beat Wales 29-25 at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday. Welsh debutant George North scored a pair of tries, but it was the visitors who left celebrating.

Victor Matfield became the highest capped player for South Africa as he made his 103rd appearance in Test rugby, beating the record of Percy Montgomery. Matfield captained the try on the day, and managed to score in what was an action packed game of rugby.

The Welsh came out all guns blazing with North, making his debut at the age of just 18, scored early after a great backline move created space for his to glide through. James Hook crossed not too long after that, with Shane Williams and a massive overlap proving the difference.

At halftime it was 17-9 and the Springboks looked out of it, not only on the scoreline but in terms of their overall performances. There was somewhat of a turning point shortly before the half though as Williams, who can turn a match, went off injured after a heavy Francois Steyn tackle. Tom Shanklin went off in the same passage of play.

The Springboks looked a different side in the second half as Morne Steyn narrowed the deficit, then loose forward Willem Alberts, on debut, scored a try. Matfield scored a few minutes later, adding to their 17 unanswered points.

North then scored his second after a well placed Stephen Jones crosskick, before Steyn stretched the Springbok lead again with another penalty. Despite an incredible assault on the visitor’s line for a full three minutes of extra time, the World Champions showed their mettle and hung on for a nailbiting win in what was a frantic finish to the match.

It was the second narrow win in succession for the Boks, following the 23-21 win over Ireland last weekend. They now head up to Scotland for their next game in pursuit of the Grand Slam.

Time: 07:15

england are looking top in the home nations so far :)

By Anonymous, at November 14, 2010 4:14 pm
Wales lost this in the forwards - they just couldn't seem to match the Boks there. Their backs looked better than the Boks on the other hand.

By Mike, at November 14, 2010 4:18 pm
@Mike...not so sure about that.
Thought the forwards did what was asked of them but IMHO, too many times Wales chose not to keep the ball in hand in the Boks 22 opting instead for the grubber kick through which 9 times out of ten just enabled the Boks cover to scoop it up and kick it safe.
Wasted possesion and wasted scoring oportunities.
Enjoyed the game, although I think the home teams take the AI's more seriously than the tourists.

By Old7, at November 14, 2010 4:33 pm
The first Welsh try sees the Saffas claiming crossing...to no avail. Brian Moore says no!

It seems like every single time the Lions tried this in SA they got blown up as the Saffa backs would throw up their arms in protest.

It's an interesting move, and a carbon copy of the one that put Habana in for a fine try for the Saffas in the 2nd test v. the Lions.

It's a tough call. Is it crossing or not?

By Mike G, at November 14, 2010 4:52 pm
Slightly off topic - can SA supporters at stadiums PLEASE stop waving our flag upside down!!! The red's on top, NOT the blue...it's been 16 years now people!

By Anonymous, at November 14, 2010 4:53 pm
not crossing. the turning point of the match was when habana tackled JT in the air then stripped the ball of him without releasing the tackled player first. SA scored with the turn over.
As a welsh supporter i appear biased but wales did suffer from the referee on this occassion. What is Walsh doing on the international scene anyway. He was banned from test matches because of incompetence then changed his naionality to Aus so he's bk again?

On another point Wales need to start winning tight games. I agree with JD when he said Wales a too predictable and need to stop going the same way. Lastly, Nrth looks like a good one for the future

By Anonymous, at November 14, 2010 5:01 pm
Good to see another Bok win on the tour - especially coming back the way the team did. Don't agree with comment above that the Welsh lost it in the forwards - in fact, Welsh completely outplayed SA forwards, especially in the first half.

Shocker by the ref though - mistakes made favouring both teams but on the whole Wales have the right to feel more aggrieved.

Hougaard has to the choice after Du Preez at 9. Springbok game became faster and backs immediately more on attack. Willem Alberts also very impressive. Kudo's to North - what a debut.

Looking forward to SA against England in 2 weeks time. This tour is shaping up a little better than expected from a SA supporter perpective.

By Anonymous, at November 14, 2010 5:07 pm
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

By Anonymous, at November 14, 2010 5:11 pm
I disagree with the last comment about Wales being done by the referee...Hello, a team that cannot defend a 20 - 9 lead, deserves no glory..simple as that. GO BOKKE, you showed how a fightback is done!

By Bokke, at November 14, 2010 5:11 pm
Walsh was poor all round. Plenty went Wales' way too, so if SA scored from that Habana call, that's just bad luck unfortunately. I'm not sure how he's been promoted to the irb panel so quickly after his big comeback.

Chilliboy Quota Rallepele did a Stephen Donald at the end there with his two poor throw-ins. Can they please just get rid of him now? There are at least 4 better second choice hookers in the country, and out of it! Someone mentioned the flag - I agree with that, but in terms of progression in general, we've come so far and I genuinely feel that every non-white player is there on merit, bar Chilliboy and at a stretch Adi Jacobs. It's unfortunate.

SA played badly, but Wales played really well. Great to see Stephen Jones so pumped up all game. Must have been that new beard he's sporting :)

Exciting game and occasion - what a treat it must be to live there and attend the Millennium Stadium for big games.

By FrankyH, at November 14, 2010 5:16 pm
'Is it crossing or not?"

No. JdV didn't go for the try scorer. He went for the dummy runner. He only say the try scorer when he turned his head when tackling the dummy runner and by then it was too late so he called crossing.

By Anonymous, at November 14, 2010 5:19 pm
Everything went to shit in the backs when shane went off and shanks came back on with stitches.
Another game we should of closed out but didnt.

By WelshOsprey, at November 14, 2010 6:12 pm
Hey bokke, glad to see you've come back with your comments...we missed you during the tri nations, you know when SA got a royal dicking....

Now im not a bitter welsh fan and I applaud the SA team for their come back and there defence, it was brilliant. But i really have a dislike to these glory supporting boys.

As for the rest of the SA fans good on you for not being cocks!

By (u-p)rick, at November 14, 2010 6:16 pm
(u-p)rick, there's absolutely nothing wrong with what 'Bokke' said there. No need to start a flame war.

'Bokke' is a very common word in the country. It comes from Springbok in case you haven't realised, so the guy who commented using that name could be any one of 48 million people.

And wtf is a 'glory supporting boy' that you dislike so much?
Come on mate, relax. You do sound bitter.

By Benson, at November 14, 2010 6:24 pm
Yeah, it's funny how some posters disappeared when their team were getting pounded every week. Fair-weather supporters ^^

Anyway, to clarify my point above, when the Boks came back into it was when their forwards raised their intensity in the second half and the Welsh forwards weren't able to match them. The Boks were poor all around by their standards in the first half. Incidentally, I wonder when the last time an 18 year old scored two in a game against the Boks? Tony O'Reilly scored 2 in 4 tests in '55.

By Gavin, at November 14, 2010 6:26 pm
Anyone else think Habana looked really out of sorts in this game? Saffas better hope a good rest will bring him back to form.

By Anonymous, at November 14, 2010 6:36 pm
Well benson im neither welsh nor a welsh supporter so i have no issues with what happened on the pitch...(i.e who the teams are)

a 'glory supporting boy' is basically like gavin said, a fair weather supporter....like those people which cropped up from no where when england won the world cup who had been 'supporting them forever' and those that want to have a lick of ROG because he came on strong the last few games but then state 'i knew he should be dropped, never liked him, he is rubbish!' he misses a tackle.

Or in this case, a fella that uses the name bokke, acts like a knob on regular occasions, disappears in the tri nations, then guess what, comes back again with never failing support...

By (u-p)rick, at November 14, 2010 6:36 pm
I watched this as a neutral and I thought it was a fantastic game. Wales should have held onto that lead though. Their coach is going to grill them because they looked the better side. Fair play to the Bokkes though for digging deep. They are the World Champs after all. Rugby was the winner here : )

By Shamo, at November 14, 2010 6:37 pm
(u-p)rick, I hear ya, but naturally Springbok fans wouldnt be making a noise when they're losing :) That doesnt mean they don't still support the team though, obviously.

It does happen with every team though, except those who never win anything big, because those fans generally just stay consistent in their comments. Look at NZ fans though - there weren't any loud mouths last year, then in recent times there have been. The opposite goes for Ireland fans too, last year noisy, this year, not so much.

I take your point, but believe me, in South Africa there is no such thing as 'fair weather' Springbok rugby fans. And after the last two weeks, SA fans are also the most critical of the performances.

By Benson, at November 14, 2010 6:43 pm
Benson, you're right that other (I would say all) countries have these 'glory' supporters. In Ireland you have loads of people who never watched the game in their lives suddenly springing up in the grand slam year offering expert opinions. If anything, it's a bigger problem in Ireland because here it's a minority sport. Most folks are interested in the other 3 popular field games and have only recently started watching rugby. It's a good thing if they stay with the game and its popularity grows, but in the short term it is quite annoying.

Sorry for going O/T. Well done Boks, hard luck Wales, and a very entertaining game.

By Gavin, at November 14, 2010 7:04 pm
with regard to the crossing call, I would not have a problem with it if the dummy runner did not make contact with the defender before the ball was passed. perhaps that was jdv's fault for coming off the line too soon. His right arm was held in contact even before the "north" wind passed him. He was not even able to get a hand to him (doubt it would have helped but a fair arguement for crossing) I guess habana's try against the lions was similar but the dummy runner did not make contact before the ball was passed. just a thought.

with regard to north- amazing game. great counter with him and 15 when it was 3 on 2.

I think ruan p. was at scrum half when the comeback began so i dont think hougaard had much to do with that.
The depth in the SA ranks is amazing however they dont all sit on the bench.. a pitty about the injuries but chilliboy whould be there regardless which is sad, there are plenty better hookers than him who can throw the ball in straight. 2 bloched lineouts out of 2...
the tactical substitutions appart from alberts, (who should be ahead of stergman anyway) were premature. steyn, bismark and co probably could have put the hammer to the nail in the coffin a lot sooner to prevent that final assult.
those injuries to williams and Shanklin were huge game turners. both were on fire in the first half.

still a lot of work to do for both teams in terms of not having to always comeback from behind and closing the game when ahead... Allblacks do it well.

By Anonymous, at November 14, 2010 7:04 pm
It's not crossing. The defender made his decision to go for the dummy runner.

That's poor defence and good attack. The dummy runners aren't forcing the Welsh defence to come out and make the tackle.

By Chris, at November 14, 2010 7:06 pm
(Did not watch entire match, only the highlights. Cheers for the clip RD)

I feel sorry for Shane Williams. He is such a delight to watch and may well have scored his own try. However, that is what happens when you are an obviously cheeky bloke and the grunts get a hold of you.

I also would have loved to see Patrick Lambie play the welsh instead of Morne Steyn. I think it would have made for a really exciting clash.

Hopefully he will see some action against the barbarians.

By EARugbyFan, at November 14, 2010 7:39 pm
Steyn is a big lad with a siege gun for a boot....but he offers little in attack for me.

He is not fast enough.

By jm, at November 14, 2010 7:53 pm
Wales should be absolutely embarrassed. Both this game and the game against OZ, they had a fair shot at winning - this one even more so. In fact, pretty much every game since the 2008 Grand Slam has been the same story.

I'm tired of supporting them when all they do is throw away games like this. Where did James Hook go in the second half? Where were the forwards? Where was the game plan?

"england are looking top in the home nations so far" That says it all...

By good grief, at November 14, 2010 8:30 pm
i must say that was without doubt the worst refereeing performance i have ever seen just terrible. Gave constant penaltys against south Africa when they wernt offending didnt penalise them at all 4 consistantly not rollin away or releasing the tackled player. Martin Williams joined nearly every ruck from an offside position and Wales played the ball on the ground repeatedly. Norths 1st try could not b described in any way legal without thinkin you were watchin American football. Habana did tackle Thomas in the air altho didnt really try put him 2 ground until he felt his feet touch the ground no impact on the eventual out come of the tackle but technically still illegal. High tackles everywhere forward passes everywhere. Game could very easily hav become violent and messy as you could see the players frustration. Shame really i think it should hav been an excellent competition if not for such bad refereeing.

By kiwi fan, at November 14, 2010 8:37 pm
@(u-p)rick I'm not the person you have a grudge against, so take a chill pill. And my cocks fine, thx for asking. Now how about making a constructive comment about the game, mate.

By True Bok, at November 14, 2010 8:49 pm
kiwi fan, well said. I'm glad it wasn't just me who thought that. There were times though when his 'assistants' could/should have helped out too, and they were silent. Very strange game in terms of officiating.

By Greiffel, at November 14, 2010 8:49 pm
@(u-p)rick I don't know who you referring to, but I'm not the person you have a grudge against, so take a chill pill. And my cocks fine, thx for asking. Now how about making a constructive comment about the game, mate.

By True Bok, at November 14, 2010 8:51 pm
personally i feel the difference between the 2 halves was at the refs disgression. Plenty of bad calls went Wales way in the 1st half and vise versa in the second before revertin back in Wales favour 4 the last ten which i had to reply to try and find Martin Williams onside.
North is a great young talent

im not hopeful 4 poor auld Ireland next weekl

By Anonymous, at November 14, 2010 8:52 pm
kiwi fan dead on the money.

Good battle from both teams in a physical game and the bokke showed true grim determination to hold out. Well done boys

i just cant wait 4 England

By Shark Attack, at November 14, 2010 8:57 pm
i think the main thing that should be taken from this was that it was a brilliant game.

Feel very sorry for Wales who just lacked that deciciveness at times. However Soouth Africa's deence was very impressive and their forwards were once again excellent.

That Nrth lad looks good too.

Thought the ref was poor but his bad decisions were pretty50/50

By Third Centre, at November 14, 2010 9:50 pm
Spies got man of the match yet I haven't seen any highlights of him doing anything? Can anyone enlighten me?

By martin-offload, at November 14, 2010 9:59 pm
Was a very interesting game. Bokkies done well too come back PDivy would be feeling the weight of Boar nation ease of his soulders. As a kiwi liveing in wales was hopping for a better result for the dragons. Injures s have really plague the welsh but thats no excuses poor discussions by shanklin and for Steve walsh thank good the pricks now a ozzy very bad referring from him.
Im afraid for the Welsh when the AB's come to town you just seem not able to close out those tough games for such a passionate rugby nation its a shame the players cant deliver. And for the Bokks they still haven't adapted to the new rules still playing 10 man rugby even England have adapted to the law changes better and I would say they gunner put you under the pump. In my opinion im happy for England playing this brand of Rugby cos now Stephen jones can't write the same bullshit any more.

By Anonymous, at November 14, 2010 10:48 pm
Martin-offload, you can't really judge from a short highlights clip. He didnt score any tries but that doesnt mean he wasn't worthy of MOM. He had one of his best games for the Boks. That doesn't say much, but he did play well. Carried often and strongly, and was powerful on defence. Long overdue too especially with Alberts now breathing down his neck.

Great test match. Serious tension at the end there, wow. I had the Wales vs Scotland game in the back of my mind..

By Scotsdale, at November 14, 2010 11:14 pm
If Wales' first try was given on dubious grounds, so was the call for the penalty which led to SA's first one.

The point is, Steve Walsh makes me a bit uneasy...as does Dave Pearson (if you thought the reffing in this game was bad, the Scotland-NZ match was even worse). You just get the feeling that sometimes they're guessing, and it could end up being costly to either side and the game.

By mr. pink, at November 14, 2010 11:15 pm
@True cock; shut up.

By Anonymous, at November 14, 2010 11:26 pm
I dunno, Scotsdale. I'd say Willem Alberts did more in the 30 minutes he was on the pitch after coming on for Stegmann than Spies did all match in terms of getting SA moving in the right direction.

I watched the whole match and outside of a couple of good runs, I don't remember Spies being all that outstanding...

I would've thought Matfield, Alberts, or even Shanklin could've been good MOM choices.

By mr. pink, at November 14, 2010 11:31 pm
Feel for the Welsh was a game that got away. You can't blame Walsh I know he had a shocker but on a couple breaks shanklin choose to kick when there was a clear overlap when you play the Bokks you have to take your chances and Wales didn't.

Our barbaric Saffa brothers its good to see you still having change your mentality of smashing it up with the forwards. Was good to see
Big Bad Bakkies back in action Juan smith also carried strong breaking tackles, Du plessie back at hooker looking strong and Beast who I thought looked good made lots of tackles.
But apart from that theres nothing no creativity in the backs same old bullshit Stein more like shit stain can only kick cant run a backline stands in the pocket and bombs away !! what a shame with likes of Habana and the back three division.There's no imagination. Hougard look good rate him after watching him in the tri nations, finally a Saffa who can step!!

Wales look sharp in the backs Big Georgie North looks like he's going to have a Big future. I read he plays center as well ! Be a heavyweight Center combo with Jamie Roberts. Bradley Davis looks like the welsh version of Brad Thorn oldschool work horse.
I must take my hat off to the NH teams they have really adapted to the laws as a AB supporter we do tend to go on a power trip and write teams off but it looks like the Nh teams are ready to play.

By TheMightyAB's, at November 14, 2010 11:32 pm
Mighty AB's

Good post :)

By Mike, at November 14, 2010 11:47 pm
I agree with some of what The Mighty AB´s said. Especially the part about Steyn, but thats what you get when you have a crappy coach and a flyhalf from the blue bulls. They (Blue bulls) just cant resist playing that type of rugby should blame Naas Botha for that.

Other than that you sound to smug as most of the Kiwi supporters do when it comes to rugby. You guys dont really set the standard you know. The IRB has got your back so the AB´s can do whatever they want (Kevin Mealamu´s head butt and McCaw just playing offside all the time) I´m sure other teams supporters will be happy with a Mighty AB supporter congratulating them on the way they picked on the rules. Sortof like a slow child might be happy when he gets a gold star for not pissing on the floor.

Was a great game of rugby that Wales should have won. I feel for them. As for the springboks good fight back but they should never have been in that position in the first place. Would obviously have been diffrent story if Williams and Shanklin didnt come off. The blame is to be put on P Divvy for his idoitic squad silections and for sticking with players thats not on form. Dont think we will be this lucky against the English but hope I´m wrong.

By Anonymous, at November 15, 2010 1:17 am
Sorry the above comment aimed at The mighty AB´s wasnt supposed to be published as Anonymous

By Copperhead, at November 15, 2010 1:19 am
From what I saw it was a good game of footy and Wales unlucky again. But in the final minutes they really needed players who could run angles and break the defence. They were either just hitting it up one at a time or orthodox through the backs' hands as the Boks lined them up and tackled them. At this level even tired defences can keep doing that for ten minutes of they have to.

By secondfive, at November 15, 2010 2:11 am
ps: I guess that's when they needed Williams.

By secondfive, at November 15, 2010 2:13 am
Copperhead, I don't know why you felt the need to go there with your second paragraph. What has that got to do with anything anyone has said here?

By bolder boulder, at November 15, 2010 2:15 am
Yeah, I think Francois Steyn, despite his lack of creativity in attack, may have actually won the game for SA with his monster tackle on Williams.

There were numerous occasions in the second half where Williams might have won it back for Wales with his ability to cut through the line or playing close to touch while staying in, but he was off nursing his wrist/shoulder.

By bolder boulder, at November 15, 2010 2:21 am
An exciting game with some great tries.

@Copperhead I cant believe some of you are still crying over the "IRB conspiracy theory". Go bitch about it somewhere else! Truth is, The ABs own The Springboks, 3-0 Blackwash, just accept it.

PS. MOST Saffa fans are arrogant whingers.

By Vince, at November 15, 2010 2:22 am
@ "ThemightyABs"

Mate your an idiot, and please dont plague us with your progmatic bullshit.

I'm a massive rugby fan I'm a South African but I can appreciate good rugby. I know we didnt have a good year mate but we wiped the floor with you last year with a number a tries from Morne Steyn that sunk your titanic very rapidly.

Of course their was little creativity in a second rate back line that after a bad year are just desperate to regain public confidence and nobody denies we're dependant on our forwards to win games for us. Look at the Super 14 domkop and watch a workiing Springbok back line that tore every combination apart home or away.

God's sake look at all the Internationals and the teams and everyone is blooding a bit of youth and trying things except for the ABs who must win, put out their best squad talk themselves up but mate don't mind the hype. Your gonna meet a full strenght bokke a full strenght ozzies an exciting french and a peaking england and all your passion and determination to win friendlies will come back too bite you where everyone is showing that edge and will to win and chances are its just another choker year for an extremely passionate but over-rated team. No serious competition on a club level gives you a read of where your players are.

Mils is a great player gotta give Carter credit but otherwise its a bunch of eager guys and barely legal players (feel free to insert Schalk and Bakkies replys here) whose greatest talents are their abilities to play a ref and over zealous will to win less important games.

See you in the World Cup on home soil domkop and earn some bragging rights thats if you dont choke first.

I would like to apologise to other users of this blog I don't usually get involved with the teenage arguements but the stupidity boiled the blood.

I would also like to comment that I wish to take nothing away from the Welsh team who provided a throughly entertaining game of rugby and whom nobody will deny where unlucky not to close out a good game.

Die magtige bokke klein seuntjie!!

By Shark Attack, at November 15, 2010 3:00 am
Lol @ shark attack. Nobody cares mate!

By Anonymous, at November 15, 2010 4:25 am
Well said Shark Attack, ignore all the blind NZers, they choose to ignore the fact that the Boks had 8-9 starting players injured in the Tri-nations... the same starting players that fucked them up last year.

World Champs.

By Anonymous, at November 15, 2010 6:09 am
Shark Attack said... I would like to apologise to other users of this blog I don't usually get involved with the teenage arguements but the stupidity boiled the blood.

Sharky, you're making yourself look ridiculous. Your post is exactly the sort of teenage argument that you talk about. The rant against NZ rugby is a joke and if it was worth the effort it could be taken apart bit by silly bit. Funny how the major test matches that are the heart of rugby, as most real SA rugby fans know, suddenly just become worthless "friendlies" and "less important" when the ABs are winning. Go tell your Boks the tests aren't worth winning and see what they say. We all know SA are a great rugby nation so get the chip off your shoulder.

By mooloo, at November 15, 2010 7:38 am
dont undertand why so many people go against Morne steyn. I would kill to have a guy in welsh rugby who can kick 41 consecutive goals.penalty goals,conversions is points you get and you need points to win matches.
Look at this match, SA were up 4 points at the end wich meant that wales had to go for a try 2win.Imagine steyn missing one more kick SA would led with only 1 or 2 points.With the numerous penalties SA gave away at the end,Wales would have kicked for goal and could have won it.
Anyway bad luck 2us not winning.Feel we are getting better everyday.and well done 2springboks,gonna have a tough one vs england eh

By Anonymous, at November 15, 2010 8:54 am
Shane Williams caused problem...when he had to leave the field. He is an impressive player and Wales are probably a little too dependant on him right now...

I really enjoyed the game

By Geoff', at November 15, 2010 11:27 am
Look sharkattack didn't mean to be disrespectful i know how staunch you Saffa are when it comes to rugby I know this cos I played with rugga's with some Saffa boy's back in NZ. Anyway wot the Fark does your muma's feed you over there you all built like brick shithouse's!!!

Look fellow rugby cuzzy's I do find it shameful that AB's have a influence on the iRB pannel YES Kevvy deserved 4 weeks even more it was intent to hurt but Ricthie a cheat is something im use to hearing maybe one day kama might come back to bite Ricthie in the arse (hopefully not in the world cup,lol.)
But look bro's and Bro'setts playing the game on the edge is wot separates the good from the great for example Big Bakkies he wouldn't strike fear in a mans heart if he didn't run full tit into a ruck head first not that I Condon thuggery in rugby but we need these sorts of players so the next generation of footballers have a marker which to achieve.
Pocock is a classic example.

By TheMightyAB's, at November 15, 2010 11:27 am
That’s two weeks in a row that we were lucky to come away with a win. Two weeks in a row that the opposition backline ran us ragged for large parts of the match. And two weeks in a row that we seemed to have no plan with the ball in hand. But a win is a win, I guess.

Only positives to come from this game, from a Saffa perspective, are the fairly light injury list (only Basson’s ankle) and the monster that is Willem Alberts. This guy is a wrecking ball and should start the remaining games ahead of Spies.

For Wales, I thought North had a fantastic debut. Looks like the real deal. And although I’ve never been a big Stephen Jones fan, he was great on Saturday. Once you add Gethin Jenkins and Jamie Roberts to this team, they’re not too shabby at all.

By katman, at November 15, 2010 11:49 am
I have to say Steve Walsh was terrible, for both sides alot of very poor/unfair decisions were made.

That said, Wales threw it away.

By David, at November 15, 2010 12:30 pm
Steve Walsh had an absolute shocker. Hard to say which side got the worst of it, I suppose you'd say Wales because they lost but neither side could have been blamed for losing their rag with this muppet. And it is a credit to both sides that they played such an entertaining game in the circumstances.

The first try however should not have been allowed. The issue is less whether JDV was committed to the tackle than how close North was to Shanklin when he received the pass. Stop the vid at 1.05, and North is maybe 2-3 metres behind Shanklin in a straight line. That is text-book obstruction, and it gets blown more often than not.

Worst penalty call was one in the first half against Andy Powell, but basically any penalty that Walsh awarded at the breakdown he got wrong.

Spies had a solid game, but Matfield was man-of-the-match in my book, and Alberts was immense. I'm not going to hate on Chilliboy, it's not his fault he keeps getting selected, but those two muffed the line-out throws might tweak the selectors to pick one of the half-dozen other hookers who are better than him.

Special mention finally to Gio Aplon... George North had a great game and lived up to the hype, but right when it counted with the game on the line, he got smashed by the smallest guy on the field.

By edbok, at November 15, 2010 1:10 pm
ref was appaling, anyone listen to brian moores commentry, game was close and wales deserved to win but kept getting stupid decisions againt them.
one penalty for bringing down a one man maul! err a tackle.
the ref couldn't even get half time right.

By mat, at November 15, 2010 1:22 pm
in the second half the boks forwards got the ball from their half to the welsh 22 a few times with pick and go 2 yards at a time and looked unstoppable, then they passed it to the backs and lost it.
new boks gameplan only players with single figures are allowed the ball :)

By mat, at November 15, 2010 1:40 pm
South Africa hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle and winger Bjorn Basson are suspended and sent home after failing drugs tests.

By Anonymous, at November 15, 2010 2:16 pm
^ thank god

By ByebyeChillyByebye, at November 15, 2010 3:04 pm
how is that ref allowed near a rugby pitch? i dont think ive seen a single match that he hasnt been massively incompetant yet he keeps coming back, why??????

By Anonymous, at November 15, 2010 3:58 pm
Chiliboy and Bjorn Basson have been suspended and sent home following failed drugs tests...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/9190833.stm

By RedYeti, at November 15, 2010 4:24 pm
http://www.irishtimes.com/sports/rugby/2010/1115/1224283378841.html

By J R R T, at November 15, 2010 5:41 pm
@ mooloo

Nobody said anything about these games being "worthless" cause they're not but they are less important in regards to the World Cup. Earn your right to bragg there as I promise you I'll be as humble in victory as defeat.

@ The might ABs

Sorry mate took it a bit over board. Valid follow up. Cheers

By SharkAttack, at November 15, 2010 5:45 pm
Walsh as drunk as ever.

By Anonymous, at November 15, 2010 7:01 pm
Coach Peter de Villiers fears the whole squad may have taken the banned substance

By Anonymous, at November 15, 2010 7:07 pm
No wonder their defence was doing so well in the final few minutes, they were all doped up on drugs

By Anonymous, at November 15, 2010 8:14 pm
Anon said@
Walsh as drunk as ever. haha I think steveo must had been on the Goon bag.

By TheMightyAB's, at November 15, 2010 8:37 pm
SharkAttack said...
@ mooloo Earn your right to bragg there as I promise you I'll be as humble in victory as defeat.

I'm not looking for bragging rights Sharky, I just enjoy my rugby. But you weren't making sense. If the Boks had won 17 of their last 18 tests you wouldn't be calling them overrated, you would be telling us (in all humility of course) what a terrific side they are. Good on MightyABs for being nice, I'm trying to be nice too.

By mooloo, at November 15, 2010 11:31 pm
does anyone know where i can watch last weekends games again????

By tertius, at November 16, 2010 12:43 am
Agree with Morne Steyn being hated on for no reason. would kill to have him in my team and just going into the world cup you want your kicker to be as good as him.. (I think he is at around 98% kicking percentage this season.... amazingly good... holds the record for most consecutive kicks at goal too.)

Chiliboy gone is great, bye bye quota.

By Anonymous, at November 16, 2010 3:32 am
Drugos!

By Anonymous, at November 16, 2010 6:54 am
Same old Africans, always cheating.

Have they drug tested Walsh too?

By Anonymous, at November 16, 2010 10:18 am
I think NZ put something in our coffee before the Ireland game to get us to be tested positive, they finally had their revenge of Suzie(1995)

By Suzie, at November 16, 2010 11:17 am
anzacs cheat south africans all the time so.

By Anonymous, at November 16, 2010 12:08 pm
hmm embarrasing times for SA..

By David, at November 16, 2010 12:12 pm
Nothing embarrassing about taking a nasal decongestant and not realising it's a banned substance. :)

Most South Africans are happy that useless Chilliboy is being sent home anyway!

By Scotsdale, at November 16, 2010 12:19 pm
They're suspecting their engery drinks, not a cold remedy.

By Anonymous, at November 16, 2010 3:57 pm
" Same old Africans, always cheating."

Sick of people looking for any opportunity to disrespect SA. Nobody has a better record in the RWC than SA (2/4); Aus (2/6); AB(1/6). And when two of our players test positive for a stimilant (that will become scheduled in Jan 2011) suddenly the Boks can only succeed by cheating? That makes you a cunt.

By Anonymous, at November 16, 2010 9:43 pm