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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.
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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.
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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 damage-limitation as fly-half Sam Costelow went off for a head injury assessment.
Centre Ben Thomas moved to the number 10 role with Scarlets centre Eddie James going on but South Africa added a third try inside the opening quarter after Arendse touched down wide out and Hendrikse converted.
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Costelow rejoined the action, and Wales managed to secure some scraps of possession before Etzebeth went off injured 11 minutes before half-time and was replaced by RG Snyman.
South Africa twice saw players held up over the Wales line, then Kolisi had a try disallowed following a knock-on in approach play by scrum-half Jaden Hendrikse.
But the Springboks did not have long to wait for try number four, with Wales unable to handle their power-runners, and Louw crossed between the posts.
Jordan Hendrikse’s conversion made it 26-0, yet Wales managed the final scoring act of a hopelessly one-sided opening half when Dyer finished strongly on his first appearance of the autumn campaign.
It was his eighth international try, and at least he ensured Wales opened their account, albeit against a Springboks side that had rarely moved out of third gear.
Costelow did not reappear for the second period – James came back on – and there was also a Test debut off the bench for Gloucester forward Freddie Thomas, who replaced Taine Plumtree and went into the back-row.
It took South Africa until 14 minutes into the second period to increase their advantage, and it was Arendse’s jinking running that created space for Fassi, who crossed on the overlap.
Replacement prop Steenekamp claimed South Africa’s sixth try, converted by Jordan Hendrikse, and Wales still had 17 minutes left before their misery would be over.
Jordan Hendrikse then added a final try that he also converted, and Wales could escape to the sanctuary of their changing room after Botham’s late effort.
Costelow did not reappear for the second period – James came back on – and there was also a Test debut off the bench for Gloucester forward Freddie Thomas, who replaced Taine Plumtree and went into the back-row.
It took South Africa until 14 minutes into the second period to increase their advantage, and it was Arendse’s jinking running that created space for Fassi, who crossed on the overlap.
Replacement prop Steenekamp claimed South Africa’s sixth try, converted by Jordan Hendrikse, and Wales still had 17 minutes left before their misery would be over.
Jordan Hendrikse then added a final try that he also converted, and Wales could escape to the sanctuary of their changing room after Botham’s late effort.
Watch the highly acclaimed five-part documentary Chasing the Sun 2, chronicling the journey of the Springboks as they strive to successfully defend the Rugby World Cup, free on RugbyPass TV (*unavailable in Africa)
Obviously a convincing win for the Boks, but they will be disappointed with the scoring efficiency. The general stats are off the charts, with plenty of possession and territory, line breaks, running meters, set piece success etc. But there were long periods without scoring. And specifically the outside backs (Kolbe, Arendse and Fassi) were less productive in scoring tries than you would have expected with the comprehensive core dominance that SA had. Also, the SA bench promised to upgrade a third string front row and third string half-back pairing to something closer to first choice selections, which could have triggered a points fest in the fourth quarter, but that did not materilaize. Additionally the Boks will be disappointed that Wales scored any tries at all.
If the Welsh players cannot be bothered to get themselves.fit, for what is essentially their full time job and their country, then there is no hope for them.
Most of their forwards were huffing and puffing within 15 minutes!
That isn't their fault. That lies with the coaches. Their fitness and conditioning coaches clearly failed. The problem doesn't start on the pitch. It starts with the WRU board. They should all be sacked, and people hired that knows what they are doing.
I feel for the Wales players. I don't feel for Gatland. He has always been overrated as an coach. However, his hands is tied behind his back, and he has no choice but to choose players that isn't ready for international rugby. That isn't Wales best players.
They must do away with the rules that no player playing outside the country, can not play for the national team. The WRU with their outdated rules and overbearing, self enriching board is responsible for the mess of Welsh rugby. If they could choose their best players, Gatland may at least have won half the matches they played this year because their is some great Welsh players playing in other countries.