It won't go down as a classic. But South Africa won't mind as they prepare over the coming days for England in next weekend's World Cup final.
A Handre Pollard penalty ultimately swung the game in the Rainbow Nation's favour as the Rassie Erasmus' eked out a three-point win, 16-19. Compare to yesterday's game it fell well below the standards expected of a World Cup semi-final, meaning Eddie Jones, present in the stands at the game, will be licking his lips at the prospect of delivering England to a second World Cup title.
The loss will bring back memories of the 2011 semi-final in New Zealand for Warren Gatland, when the Welsh lost their semi-final tie with France by a point, 8-9.
South Africa players bow to crowd after securing their place in the #RWCFinal#WALvRSA #RWC2019 #WebbEllisCup pic.twitter.com/DNuJbyscGW
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 27, 2019
Still the Welsh manager was magnanimous in defeat after the game, paying tribute to the Springboks as well as his own team's efforts.
"I'm absolutely proud of them," said Gatland of his side after his final game in charge.
We punch massively above our weight in terms of playing numbers we have in Wales. I'm really proud of these guys. They've given us a hundred per cent and they continue to do so.
Next weekend's final takes place in Yokohoma at 9.00am (Irish team), while Wales will meet New Zealand in Tokyo on Friday at the same time.
See you on Saturday BoJo @BorisJohnson when you will be watching Siya, the team and I hoist high Webb Ellis Cup. A STERLING showing once again by the @Springboks. Our national teams have just been doing amazingly on the international stage. #WALvRSA #RWC2019 #StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/foDvuTNj5V
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) October 27, 2019
Beers are on me 😑🍻 Congrats @Springboks 🇿🇦 Well fought @WelshRugbyUnion 🏴 #WALvRSA @rugbyworldcup #RWC2019 pic.twitter.com/MhWhGjwV7i
— Chris Froome (@chrisfroome) October 27, 2019
Great effort boys, not our day but pushed them right till the end. Should be very proud 👏🏼🏴 #RWC2019 @WelshRugbyUnion
— Aaron Ramsey (@aaronramsey) October 27, 2019
Proud. But gutted. 🏴🏴
Congratulations South Africa.#RWC2019— Kai Owen (@KaiKaiOwen) October 27, 2019
BOKKE are in the Final South Africa,I know it wasn’t pretty but hey We playing England in Final,let’s enjoy the moment for now 👏🏼👏🏼🇿🇦🇿🇦 Dankie Manne #StrongerTogether
— Breyton Paulse (@BreytonPaulse) October 27, 2019
If I have to choose between England or the Springboks winning the World Cup I guess I choose extinction by meteor. #WALvRSA
— Adam Liaw (@adamliaw) October 27, 2019
South Africa beats Wales 19 - 16 to reach rugby world cup final! 👊🏾#Springboks #RWC2019 #BOKKE #SouthAfrica #WALvRSA #Yokohama pic.twitter.com/agymIOFZ8L
— Milton Nkosi (@nkosi_milton) October 27, 2019
Wales go down fighting to narrow defeat. They can hold their heads up high.
— Andrew Neil (@afneil) October 27, 2019
