PLAYER RATINGS: By the skin of their teeth
OPINION: Wales also fielded a depleted team, loaded with fringe players. At least they managed to win enough of the crucial moments to claim victory.
A penalty from Robert du Preez looked to have given the South Africans victory in the American capital, but the replacement flyhalf then had two consecutive attempted clearance kicks charged down by Tomos Williams – Ryan Elias pounced to win the game.
The Welsh team made just as many errors as their opponents, but the few opportunities they did have they managed to finish off.
Jeremy Papier rates the Welsh players!
15 Hallam Amos
Managed to finish off the first try for the Welsh, but other than that he had very few opportunities.
4/10
14 Tom Prydie
Very quiet performance on the wing. Few touches and did not really come off his wing.
4/10
13 George North
Not really utilised at outside centre. Had very few opportunities.
4/10
12 Owen Watkin
Disappointing performance by the midfielder. Kept losing the ball in contact and the yellow card summed up his time on the field.
3/10
11 Steff Evans
Unfortunate injury 30 minutes into the game and got replaced. Had very few opportunities before that.
4/10
10 Gareth Anscombe
A scratchy performance by the New Zealand-born pivot. Struggled with his kicking, but looked good with ball in hand.
5/10
9 Tomos Williams
Solid performance throughout. Scored a crucial try for his team, after some sloppy defence by the opposition.
6/10
8 Ross Moriarty
Not as busy as usual, but had a few good carries. His run through the midfield in the second half just gave us a glimpse of his skills.
5/10
7 Ellis Jenkins (captain)
Perhaps the difference between winning and losing for his team on the day. Played very well and lead from the front. Made a couple of crucial turnovers that won the game for his men.
7/10
6 Seb Davies
A couple of carries up front, but did not dominate. Defensively solid.
5/10
5 Cory Hill
Got involved late in the game and made a try-saving tackle in the 67th minute, on Travis Ismaiel.
5/10
4 Bradley Davies
Did not see much of him throughout the game.
4/10
3 Dillon Lewis
Struggled at scrum time and got penalised a couple of times. Few carries and not much defensive work.
3/10
2 Elliot Dee
Good work away from set pieces, but struggled to lead the scrum.
5/10
1 Nicky Smith
Also struggled at the scrums and had very few carries.
4/10
Replacements:
16 Ryan Elias
On for Dee 71st minute, not enough time to be rated.
17 Wyn Jones
On for Smith 51st minute and added to his team’s performance.
5/10
18 Rhodri Jones
On for Lewis 52nd minute and added to his team’s performance. He did, however, struggle in the scrums as well .
5/10
19 Adam Beard
Not used.
20 Aaron Wainwright
Not used.
21 Aled Davies
On for Williams 78th minute, not enough time to be rated.
22 Rhys Patchell
Not used
23 Hadleigh Parkes
On for Evans 29th minute, but did not make much of a difference.
4/10
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