A late try by Fourie du Preez and the boot of Handre Pollard sent South Africa into the Rugby World Cup semi-finals with a tense 23-19 victory over Wales in a thunderous game at Twickenham.
Schalk Burger of South Africa hugs Fourie Du Preez (no.9) as they celebrate their quarter-final win over Wales. Photo: Getty Images
Wales led 13-12 at half-time after a great chip and catch by first-five Dan Biggar set up halfback Gareth Davies to score under the posts, with Biggar also landing a penalty and a drop goal in the last action of the half.
First-five Pollard's four penalties had kept South Africa ticking over on the scoreboard despite doing very little notable attacking.
The tension ramped up after the break as a Biggar penalty stretched the lead and Pollard replied with a drop goal but also missed two kickable penalties as the Springboks piled on the pressure.
Wales began to tire and Pollard put the Boks ahead but Biggar hit back straight away to make it 19-18 and they hung on to that lead desperately.
South Africa continued to camp in the Welsh half, however, and the pressure finally paid off five minutes from time when number Duane Vermeulen's offload while drawing in two tacklers from a clever scrum move sent halfback Du Preez clear to score in the corner.
- Reuters