Handre Pollard’s late penalty saw Wales pipped to the Rugby World Cup final by South Africa, after a gruesome battle at Yokohama.
The entire country had turned to World Cup fever as Wales reached the final four for the third time in their history, but their bid for gold came to an end at the hands of Rassie Erasmus’ side.
The first half came down to a kicking battle between Pollard and Wales’ Dan Biggar, and with the clock approaching the hour mark, there was nothing to separate the sides, with the scores at 9-9.
However, after a cagey encounter, the Springboks finally broke through for the game’s first try. A penalty advantage saw Pollard break the line to put his side on the front foot inside Wales’ 22.
The ball was recycled and spread wide to Damian de Allende, who powered past the challenge of Biggar and replacement scrum half Tomos Williams to touch down.
A trademark Dillon Lewis jackal forced Franco Mostert to concede a penalty for holding on, which allowed Wales to strike back immediately. Rhys Patchell opted to go for the corner, applying pressure on the Springboks defence.
A second penalty soon followed, with Wales this time opting to scrum. The set piece was solid, as Ross Moriarty, Williams and Jonathan Davies combined to send Josh Adams through in the corner.
Leigh Halfpenny’s conversion levelled the scores once again, however the Welsh hearts were broken as Pollard landed a late penalty to claim the narrow victory and keep the South African hopes alive.
Your Rugby World Cup heroes - including Josh Adams, Tomos Williams and Dillon Lewis - will be back in action at Cardiff Arms Park this season, as Cardiff Blues welcome their regional rivals Dragons, Scarlets and Ospreys to the Welsh capital. Click HERE to find out more.