Wales hit historic low in Springbok thrashing

Wales slumped to a 12th successive Test match defeat and head coach Warren Gatland saw the pressure ramped up on him as world champions South Africa won 45-12 at the Principality Stadium.

For the first time since 1937, Wales went a whole calendar year without winning a Test, and many will feel that Gatland's job is now hanging by a thread.

South Africa were not at their best, but the sad truth for Wales is that they did not have to be.

The Springboks ran in seven tries – Franco Mostert, Eben Etzebeth, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Aphelele Fassi, Elrigh Louw, Jordan Hendrikse and Gerhard Steenekamp touched down – while Hendrikse kicked five conversions.

Wales claimed consolation scores from wing Rio Dyer and flanker James Botham, with Ben Thomas adding one conversion, but the game was done inside the opening quarter after South Africa posted three tries.

Whether Gatland, who has now lost 18 of 24 Tests since returning for a second stint as head coach, remains in charge for a daunting Six Nations opener against France in Paris on January 31 must be a subject of huge debate.

Whatever happens, though, Wales are at the lowest point in their 143-year international rugby history, and there appears no respite any time soon.

Wales showed two late changes, with wing Tom Rogers ruled out by a calf muscle injury and prop Gareth Thomas missing out through illness. Gloucester back Josh Hathaway replaced Rogers, with Nicky Smith taking over from Thomas.

It took South Africa just six minutes to open their account after a move forged by skipper Siya Kolisi’s strong run ended with Mostert sprinting over unopposed and Hendrikse converting.

Mostert’s second-row partner Etzebeth then rounded off fine work by Arendse and Wales were already facing