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Sport
Mark Orders

Wales player ratings v South Africa as George North ignites and Navidi's efforts not quite enough to win

Wales failed to create history in Cape Town as they fell 30-14 to South Africa in the final Test of the series.

Wayne Pivac’s team had been looking to become the first Welsh team to win a campaign in the republic.

They battled bravely once again but didn’t have quite enough in their locker, with tries from Handre Pollard, Bongi Mbonambig and Siya Kolisi helping to see the Springboks home.

Read more : Jamie Roberts names Wales star as greatest he's played with

For Wales, Tommy Reffell crossed.

MARK ORDERS dishes out player ratings for the tourists.

Liam Williams 7

Spilled a high ball before being penalised for a tackle off ground a split-second later. But things did get better, with Williams taking a number of catches, mopping up brilliantly after le Roux kicked ahead and flicking out a nice pass to Adams. His positioning at times was top class.

Louis Rees-Zammit 7

No Hollywood moments, but decent catching and kicking and teamed up with Alun Wyn Jones to stop Pollard in corner and then with George North to drag Mapimpi into touch. He looks a more rounded player these days.

George North 8

A landmark day in that he became Wales’ most capped back of all time, edging ahead of Stephen Jones with his 105th appearance. He marked it with easily his best display of the tour. Sent a handoff the way of Cheslin Kolbe as the big man popped up more in attack in first 20 minutes than he had in the first two Tests in their entirety. Also defended stoutly.

Nick Tompkins 6

Commitment to the cause is beyond question, underlined by holding up de Allende on line, while he was involved multiple times in build-up to Reffell’s try. On the debit side, he couldn’t stop Kolisi from scoring.

Josh Adams 7

Woeful surface didn’t help runners, but Adams found space as the game wore on and made two searing runs down his wing. Also assisted Reffell’s try but had earlier run into trouble from deep.

Dan Biggar 6

Uncharacteristically beaten to high ball early doors and then gave away a penalty, but Biggar’s goalkicking was good and he missed nothing in defence. No frills, plenty of heart.

Kieran Hardy 5

Not as effective as in first two Tests. Loose kick early on put Wales in trouble. There was some decent work with the boot but Hardy was also charged down by Etzebeth. Subbed on 50 minutes.

Rate the players here

Gareth Thomas 8

Comfortably the best of Wales’ starting front rowers. He did concede a scrum penalty but he defended courageously with some outstanding chop tackling and also popped up in attack with passing and running.

Ryan Elias 6

Not as prominent as in the first two Tests but nailed five lineouts and put in a few tackles before being subbed at half-time.

Dillon Lewis 4

Penalised at scrum midway through opening half and incurred the ref’s wrath twice more in opening 30 minutes. No impact with ball in hand, didn't reappear for second half. Not a great day, then.

Will Rowlands 7

Concession of an early penalty cost Wales three points but averted danger thereafter with a terrific turnover followed by another one in second half. Tackled and carried, a fine display to round off a strong season.

Adam Beard 6

Good lineout take under pressure just before break and some fine work aided Dewi Lake in second half. More needed as a carrier but Beard battled hard in defence.

Dan Lydiate 6

Six tackles in 16 minutes before smashing his head in a collision with Ryan Elias, forcing the Wales No. 6 off the field. His efforts in this series deserved better. Much better.

Tommy Reffell 7

Another strong show by the youngster. Superb support play was rewarded with a try, while Reffell put his body on the line countless times before making way for Basham as Wales chased the game.

Josh Navidi 8

Josh Navidi closes in on Eben Etzebeth (Getty Images)

Drafted into starting line-up as a late replacement for Taulupe Faletau. Overran in attack at one point but fronted up in defence with notable hits on Kolisi and Etzebeth among his 15 tackles. There’s only one Faletau, but Navidi had an excellent game.

REPLACEMENTS

Dewi Lake 6

Good work around the field but odd lineout wobble.

Wyn Jones 6

Couldn’t get hands on ball; clean defence. Dust-up with Marx at end.

Sam Wainwright 5

Won a penalty against Nyakane, only to see Kitshoff sent on — not much of a reward. Nice carry, but conceded four penalties.

Alun Wyn Jones 7

On the pitch after 16 minutes following Dan Lydiate’s head knock. Gutsy defence, did best to hold scrum together, missed nothing in defence. Still life in the old warrior.

Taine Basham 7

Odd pass put down but made ground with ball in hand and put in his tackles. Added impact.

Tomos Williams 8

One excellent kick out of defence, neat pass, inventive, dangerous.

Owen Watkin 6

Basics well covered.

Read next:

The reasons Wales lost to South Africa but restored hope for the future

Live reaction as Wales lose

Why Taulupe Faletau didn't come out of the tunnel when South Africa v Wales kicked off

'Absolutely lethal' South Africa v Wales pitch leaves viewers appalled as players struggle to stand

England beat Australia as landmark day for northern hemisphere continues

Ireland stun All Blacks to clinch historic series win amid tears after epic decider

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