Wales Player Ratings v South Africa - Third Test
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Wales were unable to back up their historic first victory over South Africa in the deciding test as the Springboks overpowered their visitors to secure a 30-14 victory.
Here is how we rated Wayne Pivac's side in their final test on tour.
15 Liam Williams - 5
Another quiet outing for Williams, who dropped an early high ball and got smashed in a tackle by Damian Willemse. Saved by a forward pass after Lukhanyo Am skinned him.
14 Louis Rees-Zammit - 6.5
He lacked the opportunities to stamp his mark, but when he got his mitts on the ball, he showed real promise.
13 George North - 8
His best game of the tour as he made two excellent breaks, one of which led to Tommy Reffell's try as he palmed Cheslin Kolbe away. He made some excellent defensive reads, too and won two turnovers.
12 Nick Tompkins - 5
He was a standout over the first two tests but was guilty of a few errors in the third as he attempted to play the ball out from his own line. Kolisi also bullied him for the Springbok captain's try.
11 Josh Adams - 7.5
Adams saw far more ball than his fellow winger, and he made the most of it, topping the running metres in the match with 63.
His all-round game was on point, as usual, making his tackles and contesting well in the air.
10 Dan Biggar - 5
A tough night for Biggar as he was unable to swing the momentum into Wales' favour. He kicked well off the tee and made good decisions overall, but Wales was simply outplayed.
9 Kieran Hardy - 6
A good kicking performance without being as effective as last week. Solid game overall.
8 Josh Navidi - 6
The Springboks' effectiveness at the breakdown meant there were few opportunities for Navidi to shine after being drafted in late for Faletau.
Top tackler (15) in a sound performance.
7 Tommy Reffell - 8.5
He built on his first two tests with another stellar outing, despite South Africa's dominance. Came off after 55 minutes, making seven tackles, scoring a try and pestering South Africa's breakdown.
6 Dan Lydiate - 5
He lasted just 15 minutes after a nasty head clash with Ryan Elias when Handre Pollard scored and ended his game—he looked to be heading to another big count, having made six in that time.
5 Adam Beard - 6.5
Beard did his utmost to stall the Springboks' maul but was far less successful than he was over the last fortnight.
4 Will Rowlands - 7
He stepped up to the Springbok pack again as he thundered into 11 tackles, battled the maul and won two turnovers.
3 Dillon Lewis - 3
Lewis was under immense pressure in the scrums early on and was penalised for a side entry at a maul. Replaced at halftime.
2 Ryan Elias - 6
A tidy shift as Elias made his tackles, carried well and was accurate at the lineouts.
1 Gareth Thomas - 5
Malherbe got the better of him at the set pieces, but Thomas tried to atone for that with his work rate and had some success.
Replacements:
16 Dewi Lake - 7
Big impact around the park, but his lineout throws need work.
17 Wyn Jones - 5
The Boks maintained the dominance at the scrums with Jones on, but he was lively on defence.
18 Sam Wainwright - 3
Conceded three penalties after winning one shortly after coming on.
19 Alun Wyn Jones - 6.5
He came on far earlier than he expected but put in a tidy shift in all departments.
20 Taine Basham - 6
He carried strongly after he was a late inclusion in the team and took his chance relatively well. Opportunities at the breakdown were few and far between.
21 Tomos Williams - 6
Some bright moments but the Springboks were in control for most of the period that he was on the pitch.
22 Rhys Patchell - n/a
Another late inclusion after Gareth Anscombe was ruled out. Didn't get a chance on the pitch.
23 Owen Watkin - 5
Swatted out the way by Siya Kolisi after the Bok captain pounced on a loose ball. Didn't have any other opportunities to shine.
