Wales report card in South Africa — the out-and-out revelation, the 'unreal' player and those left holding tackle bags

Wales returned home from South Africa in 1998 not so much with a report card to ponder as a template for how not to tackle a rugby superpower in their own backyard.

Colin Charvis raged at some of those who had skipped the trip, coach Dennis John said that unless attitudes changed “the boys who are sitting back in the comfort zone may as well leave their kit off and go and play cricket”.

Some of the absentees had genuine reasons for not being on tour. But with 18 players off limits and a further eight injured during the trek south, the exercise predictably turned into a spectacular misadventure, culminating in a 96-13 Test hiding.

Wales have done things differently on this trip, touring with their strongest available squad and proving competitive in every game against the world champions. They had clear chances to win the opening Test and did manage to get the job done a week later.

If the final contest proved a match too far for the banged-about tourists, they can return home with their heads held high after an effort that defied expectations.

Here’s how the report card looks…

Tommy Reffell fits the bill here because of the way he’s hit the ground running in Test rugby. His quality for Leicester Tigers was never in doubt, of course.

But it’s a different challenge altogether to stand out in the Test arena against the world champions in their own backyard.

Reffell did exactly that in this series, showing no fear as he tore into breakdowns, piled up big tackle counts and stayed close to the ball for virtually every minute of every game.

With his heart-and-soul modus operandi and willingness to venture into harm’s way without a second thought, he has embodied the spirit of Wayne Pivac’s side in South Africa.

Little wonder