WALES were given a rugby master class by world champions South Africa as Joost van der Westhuizen conducted a virtuoso performance in Cardiff yesterday. The superstar scrum-half scored a brilliant hat trick of tries in the tourists' total of five as their class told against a plucky Welsh side.
Wales had to rely on the prolific boot of record point scorer Neil Jenkins to keep them in the game, although they had the satisfaction of a consolation try from scrum-half Arwel Thomas, who had replaced flu victim Jonathan Davies.
The Springboks showed Wales that a massive gulf still exists between the northern and southern hemispheres, their thrilling three-quarter play complementing the committed, controlled forward work from a pack led impressively by skipper Gary Teichmann.
Wales had their moments, and were ahead inside the first minute when Teichmann was penalised for blocking from the kick-off and Jenkins slotted an easy penalty.
But Springbok scrum-half Henry Honiball opened his team's account just four minutes later and Wales found themselves under intense pressure when Thomas had a drop goal attempt charged down and flanker Ruben Kruger led a storming break out of defence. At the ensuing scrum, Van der Westhuizen showed his sniper's instincts to dive over, then Honiball slotted his second penalty and Wales suddenly found themselves 11-3 adrift.
The home team, however, were in no mood to lay down and former rugby league centres Scott Gibbs and Allan Bateman caused problems for the South African defence through their straight, strong running.
Jenkins, who enjoyed an immaculate display at full-back, reduced the arrears only for South Africa to confirm their potential, from deep positions when Teichmann gathered a loose ball, fed the supporting Honiball and full-back Andre Joubert galloped across unopposed.
Howley kept probing away for Wales and more pressure resulted in Jenkins completing his penalty hat trick. But just when Wales thought they were back in contention, unsung hero Honiball again sparked some thrilling play and Van der Westhuizen took three defenders with him over the line.
He needed less than two minutes of the second half to complete a stunning hat trick, suddenly popping up with the ball from a forward melee and crossing under the posts. Honiball's conversion made it 30-12 and from there on, Wales could only concentrate on damage limitation. Jenkins's fifth successful goal at least giving them some hope, albeit slight.
Typically, Van der Westhuizen couldn't be subdued and he provided the gap for left-wing Jacques Olivier to touch down wide out. Despite the difficult angle Joubert, taking over from Honiball, nonchalantly converted.
Wales somehow dredged up a spirited finale from their spent reserves.
The physical effects took their toll on new cap McIntosh, who limped off with a knee injury 12 minutes from time to be replaced by Bath's Nathan Thomas, who scored a late try.
