The skies over Cardiff were grey from first thing on Saturday morning and the driving rain only let up in the hours before kick-off.
The weather reflected the mood in Welsh rugby – bleak. Inside Principality Stadium, the iconic venue’s roof was shut to keep Wales’ loyal and passionate fans from the elements.
But the atmosphere was similarly grim, despite the onlookers putting on a brave face.
It’s now 12 successive international defeats for Warren Gatland’s Wales. After a winless autumn, the Welsh Rugby Union will in the coming weeks hold a review into Gatland’s position as head coach, which on the face of things, looks to be untenable.
There is, however, no guarantee Gatland will move on. The WRU’s review will include independent rugby experts.
Based on purely sporting analysis, surely the most inevitable conclusion is that Wales need a coaching change. This was yet another tough afternoon. It was, for all Wales’ plucky fight, men against boys.
Wales suffered their 12th defeat in a row after they were thumped 45-12 by South Africa
It was a chastening day for the Dragons, who were outclassed and outpowered in Cardiff
Another heavy defeat has put further pressure on the already under-fire Warren Gatland
A comprehensive seven-try victory for South Africa, the back-to-back world champions, was no surprise.
But the clear gulf in class between the two sides in terms of physicality and rugby quality showed how far Wales have fallen behind rugby’s elite.
Wales are hoping their review into the performance of Gatland’s side – as well as a new agreement with their four professional sides – will be completed before Christmas.
It means that a decision on Gatland’s future will not come immediately, but realistically by the middle of December. It is understood that any decision to move on from Gatland – if that is the direction of travel taken – will not be hindered by financial factors.
Gatland has indicated his eagerness to stay, although one wonders whether the severe criticism he has taken this month may have changed his mind.
The only saving grace for those of a Welsh persuasion was this result wasn’t quite as bad as their 96-13 defeat by South Africa in 1998 which remains the country’s record loss.
Wales’ starting price of 22/1 showed just how up against it Gatland’s men were. And they weren’t helped by two late withdrawals on the eve of kick-off.
Prop Gareth Thomas and wing Tom Rogers stepped away from duty due to illness and a calf injury. Nicky Smith and Josh Hathaway were promoted to start.
A comprehensive seven-try victory for South Africa on Saturday night was no surprise
The clear gulf in class between the two sides in terms of physicality and rugby quality showed how far Wales have fallen behind rugby’s elite over recent times
The WRU paid tribute to lost former players before kick-off, the crowd cheering loudly when the face of the legendary and fearless JPR Williams appeared on the big screen.
How Wales could have done with the talent and never-say-die attitude of the great Williams here. Welsh rugby might be in trouble today. But its’ patriotism remains. The home anthem was delivered with gusto.
Captain Dewi Lake led the way and then thundered into Franco Mostert. But it wasn’t long before the pattern of play expected pre-match came to fruition.
First, player of the match Mostert thundered over after Wales’ defence parted like the red sea. Then, his fellow giant lock Eben Etzebeth made it two after South Africa ran back a Wales kick through Kurt-Lee Arendse.
Wales were 19-0 down after 20 minutes, Arendse the man with the third. It was one-way traffic, South Africa having 76 per cent possession and 70 per cent territory after the opening quarter.
Wales’ effort couldn’t be question. But their eagerness saw them concede penalties for offside. The Springboks aren’t a team to give any help to. Only brilliant defence from Hathaway and Blair Murray stopped what looked like being a certain try for Springbok Aphelele Fassi.
The giant Etzebeth limped off. Respite for Wales? On came the arguably even bigger RG Snyman. Frankly, it all seemed a little unfair.
South Africa’s accuracy wasn’t total. Captain Siya Kolisi’s effort was ruled out for a knock on by Jaden Hendrikse. However, from the resulting scrum, South Africa sent the Wales pack into orbit and Elrigh Louw crashed over to score.
The Welsh Rugby Union will in the coming weeks hold a review into Gatland’s (centre) position as head coach, which on the face of things, looks to be untenable after another defeat
The only saving grace for those of a Welsh persuasion was that this result wasn’t quite as bad as their 96-13 defeat by South Africa in 1998 which remains the country’s record loss
Wales were struggling, but the reality was it could have been far worse had South Africa been on it fully. Just before the break, Wales’ first concerted attack ended in Rio Dyer finishing expertly. Dyer showed superb speed. The roof nearly came of the place.
Wales had been monstered physically in the opening 40. They’d had to tackle themselves into the ground just to stay within 20 points.
Young prop Archie Griffin limped off after being destroyed at one scrum. Wales’ heart couldn’t be questioned. They kept going. But a key attacking line-out went wrong. And Fassi went straight up the other end and scored.
The combination of South Africa’s raw power and the dancing feet of Cheslin Kolbe and Arendse is a devastating combination.
Gerhard Steenekamp, part of South Africa’s ‘bomb squad’ of forward replacements, grabbed their sixth from close range. On the bench, Lake’s head was in his hands.
Hathaway, who had been dealt some tough lessons in defence against the game’s best side, then picked up Springbok leader Kolisi with a huge tackle. It summed up Wales’ endeavour. That is something the upcoming review can build on.
But success in international rugby is about far more than sheer fight. In the dying embers and with the game long since over as a contest, the Welsh crowd broke into a Mexican Wave.
It wasn’t long ago that Wales’ supporters expected to beat South Africa. Now, things couldn’t be more different. Welsh rugby has a long way to go.
Jordan Hendrikse, who ended with 15 points, completed the rout and although the valiant James Botham ensured it was Wales who ended the scoring, those in charge of the WRU review will have much to ponder as they look to the future. Only time will tell if Gatland will be a part of it.
