Wales 12-45 South Africa: Warren Gatland’s side lose 12TH game in a row – as they are thumped by Springboks in Cardiff to heap pressure on the Kiwi coach

The skies over Cardiff were gray from the start on Saturday morning and the rain only let up in the hours before kick-off.

The weather reflected the mood in Welsh rugby: gloomy. At the Principality Stadium, the roof of the iconic venue was closed to protect Wales’ loyal and passionate fans from the elements.

But the atmosphere was also grim, despite the spectators putting on a brave face.

It is now twelve consecutive international defeats for Warren Gatland’s Wales. After a winless autumn, the Welsh Rugby Union will hold a review in the coming weeks of Gatland’s position as head coach, which at first glance appears untenable.

However, there is no guarantee that Gatland will move on. Independent rugby experts will be involved in the evaluation of the WRU.

Based on a purely sporting analysis, the most inevitable conclusion is that Wales need a coaching change. This was another tough afternoon. Despite Wales’ brave fight, it was men against boys.

It was a chastening day for the Dragons, who were outclassed and outmatched in Cardiff

Another heavy defeat has put further pressure on the already under fire Warren Gatland

A comprehensive victory in seven attempts for South Africa, the consecutive world champions, was no surprise.

But the clear gulf in class between the two sides in terms of physicality and rugby quality showed just how far Wales have fallen behind the rugby elite.

Wales hope their review of Gatland’s side’s performance – as well as a new agreement with their four professional sides – will be completed before Christmas.

It means a decision on Gatland’s future will not be made immediately, but will realistically be made by mid-December. It is clear that any decision to leave Gatland – if that is the direction of travel – will not be hampered by financial factors.

Gatland has signaled his desire to stay, although one wonders whether the severe criticism he has leveled this month may have changed his mind.

The only saving grace for those of a Welsh persuasion was that this result was not as bad as their 96-13 defeat to South Africa in 1998, which remains the country’s record defeat.

Wales’ starting price, 22/1, showed just how good Gatland’s men were against that. And they weren’t helped by two late withdrawals on the eve of kick-off.

Prop Gareth Thomas and wing Tom Rogers retired due to illness and a calf injury. Nicky Smith and Josh Hathaway were promoted to start.

A comprehensive seven-try win 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 just how far Wales have fallen behind the rugby elite in recent times.

The WRU paid tribute to lost former players before kick-off, with the crowd cheering loudly as 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 mentality of the great Williams here. Welsh rugby could be in trouble today. But patriotism remains. The house song was delivered with verve.

Captain Dewi Lake led the way and then charged into Franco Mostert. But it didn’t take long for the expected pre-match pattern of play to materialize.

First, player of the match Mostert thundered over after the Wales defense parted like a sea of ​​red. Then fellow giant Eben Etzebeth made it two after South Africa ran back a Wales kick through Kurt-Lee Arendse.

Wales were 19-0 behind after twenty minutes, Arendse was the man with the third. It was one-way traffic: South Africa had 76 percent ownership and 70 percent territory after the opening quarter.

Wales’ effort could not be questioned. But their eagerness saw them awarded penalties for offside. The Springboks are not a team you can offer help to. Only brilliant defending from Hathaway and Blair Murray ended what looked like a sure try for Springbok Aphelele Fassi.

The giant Etzebeth limped away. Delay for Wales? Then came the perhaps even greater RG Snyman. To be honest, it all seemed a bit unfair.

South Africa’s accuracy was not total. Captain Siya Kolisi’s attempt was disallowed due to a tap from Jaden Hendrikse. However, from the resulting scrum, South Africa sent the Wales pack into orbit and Elrigh Louw crashed to score.

The Welsh Rugby Union will assess Gatland’s (mid) position as head coach in the coming weeks, which at first glance appears untenable after another defeat.

The only saving grace for those of a Welsh persuasion was that this result was not as bad as their 96–13 defeat to South Africa in 1998, which remains the country’s record defeat.

Wales were struggling, but the reality was that it could have been much worse if South Africa had fully committed. Just before half-time, Wales’ first joint attack ended in a skilful finish from Rio Dyer. Dyer showed excellent speed. The roof almost came off.

Wales were physically sampled in the first 40. They would have had to kick themselves into the ground to stay within 20 points.

Young prop Archie Griffin limped off after being destroyed in one scrum. The heart of Wales could not be questioned. They kept going. But an important attacking lineout went wrong. And Fassi went straight to 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 forwards, grabbed their sixth from close range. On the couch, Lake’s head was in his hands.

Hathaway, who had been given some tough lessons in defending against the game’s best side, then picked up Springbok leader Kolisi with a huge tackle. It summed up Wales’ aspiration. That’s something the upcoming review can build on.

But success in international rugby is about much more than just competition. In the dying embers and with the match long over as a contest, the Welsh crowd erupted in a Mexican wave.

It wasn’t that long ago that Wales supporters expected to beat South Africa. Now things couldn’t be more different. Welsh rugby still has a long way to go.

Jordan Hendrikse, who finished with 15 points, completed the rout and although brave James Botham ensured Wales ended the scoring, those in charge of the WRU review will have a lot to think about as they look to the future. Only time will tell if Gatland will be part of it.