Wales v South Africa LIVE: Rugby result and reaction from World Cup warm-up in Cardiff

Winger Canan Moodie and centre Jesse Kriel ran in a brace of tries each as South Africa flexed their considerable muscle with a thumping 52-16 victory over Wales in their Rugby World Cup warm-up fixture in Cardiff.

Wales coach Warren Gatland names his 33-player squad for the World Cup on Monday and will have learnt much about his team from this home humiliation, in which they were out-muscled up front and out-thought with ball in hand.

The Springboks scored eight tries in all as hooker Malcolm Marx, flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit and replacement back Damien Willemse also crossed to go with a penalty try, though they will be concerned over a high error count and some poor kicking.

South Africa captain Siya Kolisi made a successful return from long-term injury with a superb 40 minutes in his first international appearance in 2023 and will hope to add to that when the Boks play old foes New Zealand in a final warm-up fixture in London on Friday.

Relive the action from Cardiff with our blog below and you can find the latest rugby tips and betting offers here

Wales vs South Africa - Rugby World Cup warm-up updates

• Wales thrashed South Africa in final World Cup warm-up in Cardiff

• Springboks run in eight tries and captain Siya Kolisi successfully returns from long-term ACL injury

• FULL-TIME! Wales 16-52 South Africa

• 72’ - TRY! Parry burrows over the line for a consolation try (WAL 16-52 RSA)

• 69’ - TRY! Willemse runs in an eighth try from Libbok’s flat pass (WAL 9-52 RSA)

• 61’ - TRY! Moodie intercepts a Williams pass for a simple run-in (WAL 9-45 RSA)

• 59’ - TRY! Du Toit powers over from a five-metre lineout (WAL 9-38 RSA)

• 52’ - TRY! Springboks go coast to coast as Du Toit intercepts and passes to Kriel for interception try (WAL 9-31 RSA)

• 35’ - TRY! Grady’s ludicrous offload in his own in-goal area touched down by Kriel (WAL 9-24 RSA)

• 34’ - TRY! Penalty try as Dyer deliberately knocks the ball into touch (WAL 9-19 RSA)

• 23’ - TRY! Moodie finishes off superb team move (WAL 6-12 RSA)

• 5’ - TRY! Marx over in the corner after brilliant Kolisi offload (WAL 0-5 RSA)

South Africa send message to Rugby World Cup rivals with Wales demolition

18:19 , Luke Baker

World champions South Africa delivered a ruthless display that bristled with pace and power to demolish Wales 52-16 at the Principality Stadium.

An inexperienced Wales line-up contained a total of only 235 caps and the Springboks showed no mercy as they cruised to a record victory over their opponents in Cardiff.

Wales’ final Rugby World Cup warm-up Test – head coach Warren Gatland will name his 33-strong squad for the tournament on Monday – proved a horribly one-sided affair.

It was the first time in either of Gatland’s reigns as head coach that Wales had conceded 50 or more points.

Centre Jesse Kriel and wing Canan Moodie each scored two tries, while hooker Malcolm Marx, flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit and replacement Damian Willemse also touched down, with South Africa’s tally completed by a penalty try and five Manie Libbok conversions.

South Africa send message to Rugby World Cup rivals with Wales demolition

Ireland vs England in Dublin

17:31 , Luke Baker

Right, that should just about do it from us in Cardiff. But there’s another fascinating warm-up clash that has just got underway. Ireland vs England in Dublin.

England have been at the centre of the rugby universe over the past week with Owen Farrell’s red card, non-suspension, then appeal dominating the conversation. They’ll be pleased to get back on the pitch, I’m sure.

Follow all the action with our live blog

Ireland vs England LIVE: Latest updates from Rugby World Cup warm-up

Canan Moodie reflects on South Africa win

17:29 , Luke Baker

Canan Moodie impressed again as he scored two tries and made over 100 metres on six carries. The winger is only 20 years old but is becoming a key cog in the Boks machine. Here are his thoughts on the win:

“We said Wales are a very tough team and coming here would be a tough one. There were lots of changes in their starting XV but we had a plan and executed it today.

“Fortunately for me, I’ve got the backing from the coaches and my teammates to go out there, be myself and back my ability.

“It's surreal to go to a World Cup. It’s amazing that four years ago, I was still at school! It’s motivation for me - four years ago, I’d have given anything to be out there, so I will go out there and give my best. You want to make the most of your opportunities. There’s lots of competition, world-class wingers in this squad and competition brings out the best in us.”

FULL-TIME! Wales 16-52 South Africa

17:20 , Luke Baker

FULL-TIME! Wales 16-52 South Africa

17:14 , Luke Baker

A final penalty for South Africa and they go for the posts to waste the final few seconds. Long-range kick for Libbok and he misses wide to the left. His kicking has been the one worry for the visitors today.

And that’s that. A chastening, disheartening day for Wales. They’ve been thoroughly outclassed by a dominant Springboks side who are serving notice that they won’t give up their World Cup crown without a fight.

Wales 16-52 South Africa, 78 mins

17:10 , Luke Baker

The PA and then the fans belting out ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’ by Bon Jovi, even once the match restarts. In fairness, Wales have been living on little else today...

Final knockings here, a couple of scrum resets. Come on, let’s get this done.

Wales 16-52 South Africa, 78 mins

17:09 , Luke Baker

A good defensive set by Wales as they repeatedly repel the Boks from five metres out.

Jac Morgan and Taine Basham right at the heart of it. Basham has brought a little bit of fire since coming off the bench.

Wales 16-52 South Africa, 77 mins

17:07 , Luke Baker

Here’s how South Africa brought up the half-century

Wales 16-52 South Africa, 74 mins

17:05 , Luke Baker

Result of the bunker review and it stays a yellow card for Damian Willemse. Not upgraded to red.

As we said, likely Van Staden hanging off Dyer’s back and changing his direction acted as mitigation.

Willemse will be off the pitch for the rest of the game anyway but it means he shouldn’t face any further sanction post-match.

TRY! Wales 16-52 South Africa (Sam Parry, 72 mins)

17:03 , Luke Baker

Finally some joy for Wales! They build into the Boks 22, and they go down the blindside where Sam Parry burrows over the line. A nice moment for him.

And Cai Evans gets his first international points as he nails the touchline conversion. Stunning kick.

BUNKER REVIEW! Wales 9-52 South Africa (Damian Willemse, 70 mins)

17:01 , Luke Baker

Bunker time!

Wales break down the left through Rio Dyer, who is hauled in from behind by Marco van Staden but Damian Willemse joins the tackle from the front and there’s head to head contact.

Willemse is very upright and there’s force in the collision, so he’s given a yellow card, with referee Andrew Brace ordering the bunker to take a look and see if it’s upgraded to a red.

The tackle of Van Staden, if it is determined to change Dyer’s direction may save Willemse.

TRY! Wales 9-52 South Africa (Damian Willemse, 69 mins)

16:57 , Luke Baker

Tap and go, then South Africa set up a maul. Within inches but penalty coming, so they spread the ball wide and Damian Willemse has acres of room to run in after a flat Libbok pass. Try number eight.

From bad to worse for Wales as debutant Teddy Williams sent to the sin-bin for foul play in the build-up. The try doesn’t save him.

Wales 9-45 South Africa, 68 mins

16:55 , Luke Baker

Mbonambi brought down a metre short and Du Toit goes again. He’s over the line but flipped on to his back and held up. Another penalty coming though.

Wales 9-45 South Africa, 67 mins

16:54 , Luke Baker

Springboks kick to the corner (after Kolbe impeded in the air, what else is new...) and are hunting an eighth try.

Wales 9-45 South Africa, 63 mins

16:51 , Luke Baker

We’ve almost got a game of sevens breaking out! Turnovers in open play as Kolbe goes on a run before Morgan does well to pilfer the ball, then Louis Rees-Zammit, recently off the bench, responds.

The Rogers vs Kolbe aerial battle continues and this time it’s the Welshman contacting his Boks opponent in the air. Tit for tat, I suppose

Wales 9-45 South Africa, 63 mins

16:48 , Luke Baker

Here come the Springboks again. The jinking, sliding Cheslin Kolbe dances his way into the Welsh 22.

They stick up a cross-field kick with a penalty advantage but Kolbe contacts Tom Rogers in the air and that foul play sees the penalty overturned. Wales survive for now.

TRY! Wales 9-45 South Africa (Canan Moodie, 61 mins)

16:45 , Luke Baker

Oh deary, deary, deary me. This is turning into a rout.

It’s far, far too easy for the Springboks. Wales try to run a first-phase move off a lineout, Johnny Williams with a no-look pass that is intercepted by Canan Moodie and he runs in under the posts for a simple score. Simple conversion follows

Fair to say, neither Wales starting centre has exactly provided a compelling reason for Warren Gatland to include them in his World Cup squad today...

Wales 9-38 South Africa, 60 mins

16:44 , Luke Baker

A nice moment for Teddy Williams as he comes on for his international debut. The Cardiff forward deservedly getting a cap after a great season.

TRY! Wales 9-38 South Africa (Pieter-Steph du Toit, 59 mins)

16:42 , Luke Baker

Easy as you like for South Africa.

Five-metre lineout expertly converted. Wales set up to defend the maul, Marco van Staden instead flips the ball to Pieter-Steph du Toit on the wraparound and he powers his way over the line, pushed by RG Snyman and dragging Welsh defenders with him.

The legendary South African physicality distilled in one move.

Easy conversion for Libbok.

Wales 9-31 South Africa, 57 mins

16:41 , Luke Baker

Springboks win the penalty and kick to the corner. A five-metre lineout coming...

Wales 9-31 South Africa, 56 mins

16:40 , Luke Baker

There was always the feeling that this would be the real litmus test for Wales and this is a worrying result for their fans.

Fair to say that the close games with England are at one level and the Springboks are in a completely different league.

It’s becoming increasingly hard to think anything other than France, Ireland, New Zealand and South Africa are miles ahead of everyone else at the moment...

TRY! Wales 9-31 South Africa (Jesse Kriel, 52 mins)

16:34 , Luke Baker

South Africa go coast to coast and score through Jesse Kriel! A dagger to the Welsh heart.

After the Dyer and Costelow breaks, Wales are well set in the Boks 22 but Pieter-Steph du Toit reads a Kieran Hardy pass, snaffles it up and sets off towards halfway.

Kriel is on his shoulder - the flanker decides a centre is a better bet to go all the way and he outpaces the despairing dive of Tom Rogers to score under the posts! Scintillating stuff. Easy conversion for Libbok - things going from bad to worse for Gatland and co.

Wales 9-24 South Africa, 50 mins

16:34 , Luke Baker

More changes for the Boks as they empty their forwards from the bench. Franco Mostert and Duane Vermeulen on to complete the six new faces in the pack.

This is better from Wales though! Room down the left as Dyer streaks down the flank, inside to Costelow to make more ground although Moodie does well to bring him down from behind.

Wales 9-24 South Africa, 48 mins

16:31 , Luke Baker

Hmmm. Wales weren’t really going anywhere there and then knock on in midfield.

Nicky Smith and Henry Thomas on as Wales also freshen up the front row. Ooof - the new props get decimated by the Bomb Squad squad and it’s another scrum penalty won by the Boks. Brutal.

Wales 9-24 South Africa, 47 mins

16:28 , Luke Baker

Here come the bomb squad! Ox Nche, Bongi Mbonambi and Vincent Koch on for an all-new front row. Jeez! What a trio to have in reserve.

And Nche straight into the action. The Wales lineout struggles at the worst moment as Jean Kleyn gets a big paw up to disrupt and the mammoth prop gobbles up the loose ball to allow South Africa to clear. Frustrating for the hosts.

Wales 9-24 South Africa, 46 mins

16:27 , Luke Baker

The Wales lineout continuing to function well - Dee to Wainwright working nicely.

Good, plunging carries by Dyer and then Morgan, the latter handing off Hendrikse, and Wales are well into the Boks 22. Back for a penalty and after consistently going for the posts in the first half, they kick for touch.

Great opportunity for a first try.

Wales 9-24 South Africa, 44 mins

16:24 , Luke Baker

Lovely play by the Springboks, sweeping to the right. Manie Libbok slides through a gap in the defensive line but his pass is a shade behind Canan Moodie and the ball hits the ground.

Wales then manage to win a scrum! Frans Malherbe pinged for not driving straight and Costelow can gratefully clear to touch. Rio Dyer also back on so we’re at 15 vs 15 again!

Wales 9-24 South Africa, 41 mins

16:22 , Luke Baker

South Africa run from deep as they continue to show their intentions. Great tackle by Jac Morgan to wrap up the slippery Cheslin Kolbe and drive him into touch.

Siya Kolisi was subbed at half-time, with Marco van Staden coming on. A good 40-minute outing for Kolisi on his return from an ACL injury.

KICK-OFF! Wales 9-24 South Africa

16:21 , Luke Baker

Back underway and Wales need things to really, really turn around here in Cardiff... Rio Dyer has about three more minutes on his sin-bin by the way

HALF-TIME! Wales 9-24 South Africa

16:19 , Luke Baker

Here is Mason Grady’s moment of madness. The young centre won’t want to see this again...

HALF-TIME! Wales 9-24 South Africa

16:15 , Luke Baker

Here was that Canan Moodie try, one of four for the Springboks in the first half

HALF-TIME! Wales 9-24 South Africa

16:07 , Luke Baker

A harrowing half for Warren Gatland’s men. South Africa have been far the better side and four tries speak to that dominance, while Wales are also down to 14 men after Rio Dyer’s sin-binning.

A big second-half turnaround needed for the hosts

Wales 9-24 South Africa, 40 mins

16:05 , Luke Baker

The Welsh lineout has been much, much better than it was at Twickenham at least. Not much else has gone right for them.

But a Johnny Williams pass then goes straight to South African hands, they kick ahead but Kriel’s kick goes into touch

Wales 9-24 South Africa, 38 mins

16:03 , Luke Baker

How can Wales bounce back from that quickfire double blow. Treble blow really if you throw in Dyer’s yellow card.

Good kick chase by Jac Morgan and can Wales get something back before half-time from a lineout in the Springboks half?

TRY! Wales 9-24 South Africa (Jesse Kriel, 35 mins)

15:59 , Luke Baker

Oh no - Mason Grady, what have you done?!

It’s a moment of utter, utter madness from the young Wales centre and Jesse Kriel scores his first Springboks try for five years.

South Africa surge forward in attack, spread the ball to the left and De Allende stabs a grubber kick through. Grady just gets there first but Kolbe wraps him and pushes him into the in-goal area where Grady inexplicably tries to offload the ball... It pops straight to Kriel for a simple touch down.

Grady has to just eat that and give South Africa the five-metre scrum. He won’t want to see that in review on Monday... Libbok misses the touchline conversion but Wales are really struggling here.

TRY! Wales 9-19 South Africa (Penalty try, 34 mins)

15:55 , Luke Baker

A Kolisi bash takes South Africa within five metres and a clever kick nearly finds Moodie on the right touchline with the try-line at his mercy. But it’s great covering defence by Rio Dyer to get his hand in there and stop the Boks winger collecting.

Or is it? TMO review and the question is whether Dyer deliberately knocks the ball on into touch - in which case it’s a penalty try... Standby

Does the ball brush off Moodie’s arm first of all? That’s all that can save Dyer here. Nothing clear to suggest that, so it’s deliberately knocked into touch and it’s a PENALTY TRY to South Africa as they judge Moodie would have otherwise collected and scored. Plus 10 minutes in the sin-bin for Rio Dyer.

Wales 9-12 South Africa, 33 mins

15:52 , Luke Baker

The Welsh scrum is under serious pressure once more and it’s another Boks penalty. It’s men against boys in the front row at the minute.

Hardy wasn’t sure if he could get the ball in with the scrum still moving and Assiratti loses his bind on Kitshoff’s shirt. A good platform for South Africa to build with a lineout on the 22.

Wales 9-12 South Africa, 30 mins

15:49 , Luke Baker

Quick tap from South Africa and they quickly rush into the Welsh 22 with a barrelling Steven Kitshoff run.

But one offload attempt too many as Kieran Hardy wraps in the tackle and the ball hits the ground. Great clearance kick towards halfway

Wales 9-12 South Africa, 28 mins

15:47 , Luke Baker

Wales 9-12 South Africa, 27 mins

15:46 , Luke Baker

A bit of broken-field play for Wales. Lovely long pass from Johnny Williams out to the debutant Cai Evans and he charges into the Springboks half.

But great scramble defence, Marx does his best impression of a back-rower to jackal at the breakdown and win the turnover. What an advantage it is to have someone like him at hooker.

PENALTY! Wales 9-12 South Africa (Sam Costelow, 25 mins)

15:45 , Luke Baker

Once again, Wales hit straight back. Sam Costelow does the business from the kicking tee to narrow the deficit after the Springboks are pinged almost straight from kick-off.

Costelow’s kicking is keeping Wales in touch at the moment.

TRY! Wales 6-12 South Africa (Canan Moodie, 23 mins)

15:41 , Luke Baker

Gorgeous rugby by South Africa! Finished off by Canan Moodie.

It all starts with RG Snyman spotting a gap from a breakdown on halfway, picking up and sniping through the middle. Lovely offload to Jaden Hendrikse, who then does likewise to Marx.

The Welsh defence are scrambling to get back and Libbok shows his class with a stunning miss pass out wide to Moodie who steps inside and goes over. Superb!

Libbok then nails the conversion for good measure.

PENALTY! Wales 6-5 South Africa (Sam Costelow, 20 mins)

15:39 , Luke Baker

This is more like it from Wales - they win a couple of penalties, the second of which when Jesse Kriel gets caught on the wrong side at the breakdown, obstructing Jac Morgan’s cleanout.

It’s another kicking chance and Sam Costelow makes no mistake from the tee! Good kick from the young 10 and the hosts edge ahead

MISSED PENALTY! Wales 3-5 South Africa (Manie Libbok, 18 mins)

15:37 , Luke Baker

The Boks opt to go for the posts from that penalty. A few metres inside the Welsh half, fairly central. But Manie Libbok misses wide to the right. He’s 0-2 from kicks now.

He struggled against Argentina from the tee a couple of weeks ago as well. It’s a definite weakness in his game, given how good he is in open play.

Wales 3-5 South Africa, 17 mins

15:36 , Luke Baker

Have just seen a replay of that Kolbe run. Beating players in a phone box - his footwork is out of this world. The game is in Cardiff but the atmosphere in the stadium was palpably charged when he got the ball. He’s box-office! Most exciting player to watch in world rugby?

A scrum penalty won by the Springboks against the head. Their front row splinters the inexperienced Welsh trio once again, forcing them up early.

Wales 3-5 South Africa, 15 mins

15:32 , Luke Baker

Ah, we won’t have to wait long for another look at the scrum. Johnny Williams knocks on in contact as Libbok charged up in defence.

Solid by South Africa, they win the ball and Cheslin Kolbe goes on a classic Kolbe jinking run, slipping through tackles and putting South Africa on the front foot. A cross-field kick safely dealt with by Rio Dyer though.

Wales 3-5 South Africa, 13 mins

15:30 , Luke Baker

First scrum of the day. Wales props Corey Domachowski and Keiron Assiratti looked good against England last week but the Springboks front row is a different level... It’ll be a great learning curve.

Early shove from Wales, so a free-kick to the Boks. We’ll have to wait for a proper head to head it seems.

Wales 3-5 South Africa, 12 mins

15:29 , Luke Baker

Wales have a lineout on the South African 22. Their lineout was quite frankly diabolical against England last week but this is better. Safely claimed and the maul is on.

Brilliant maul defence by the Boks though. They smother the ball, Jean Kleyn right in the mix, and force the turnover. Superb work by the lock

Wales 3-5 South Africa, 10 mins

15:28 , Luke Baker

Wales really impressing under the high ball so far. Snyman forces a Kieran Haryd box-kick high rather than long but Rio Dyer claims it in the air. Great jump.

Wales can relieve pressure and move upfield with a penalty.

PENALTY! Wales 3-5 South Africa (Sam Costelow, 7 mins)

15:26 , Luke Baker

Good response by Wales after conceding that try. Straight back on the horse and Johnny Williams - who needs a big game to make the World Cup squad - makes a powerful carry and survives a couple of big hits.

Penalty awarded as the Springboks stray offside, Wales go for the posts and Sam Costelow, from right in front, albeit from long range nails the kick. Costelow only playing after Dan Biggar picked up a knock but a good start

TRY! Wales 0-5 South Africa (Malcolm Marx try, 4 mins)

15:22 , Luke Baker

First blood to South Africa!

Clinical work in the red zone as Jaden Hendrikse plays the ball down the blindside, the returning Siya Kolisi sucks in two defenders and offloads to Malcolm Marx to go over in the left corner.

That is simply world-class rugby by Kolisi. Back from injury and it took him, erm... five minute to get back in the wing of things...

Tricky touchline conversion for Manie Libbok and it goes just wide of the right upright.

Wales 0-0 South Africa, 3 mins

15:21 , Luke Baker

First attacking opportunity for South Africa. They spread the ball wide to the right and Canan Moodie takes it into the 22.

OOF! Big, clean hit on RG Snyman by Corey Domachowski. Big man on big man action. Boks still in good position though

Wales 0-0 South Africa, 2mins

15:19 , Luke Baker

A couple of nice claims of high balls by Wales in the early going. But they turn the ball over at the breakdown to end a potential attack.

Ooh, an early TMO review - Tom Rogers gets there a shade early when competing for a high ball, contacts Cheslin Kolbe in the air and it’s a Boks penalty. Nothing more than that.

KICK-OFF! Wales 0-0 South Africa

15:16 , Luke Baker

Underway in Cardiff!

Wales vs South Africa

15:13 , Luke Baker

Ok, the two teams are out on the pitch and the anthems are underway. Here’s a reminder of the sides today. It’s a hellaciously strong-looking Boks line-up...

Wales XV: Corey Domachowski, Elliot Dee, Keiron Assiratti; Ben Carter, Will Rowlands; Dan Lydiate, Jac Morgan (capt.), Aaron Wainwright; Kieran Hardy, Sam Costelow; Rio Dyer, Johnny Williams, Mason Grady, Tom Rogers; Cai Evans.

Replacements: Sam Parry, Nicky Smith, Henry Thomas, Teddy Williams, Taine Basham; Tomos Williams, Max Llewellyn, Louis Rees-Zammit.

South Africa XV: Steven Kitshoff, Malcolm Marx, Frans Malherbe; Jean Kleyn, RG Snyman; Siya Kolisi (capt.), Pieter-Steph du Toit, Jasper Wiese; Jaden Hendrikse, Manie Libbok; Cheslin Kolbe, Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel, Canan Moodie; Willie le Roux.

Replacements: Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche, Vincent Koch, Franco Mostert, Marco van Staden, Duane Vermeulen; Grant Williams, Damian

Wales vs South Africa warm-up

15:09 , Luke Baker

Who’d be a coach, eh? It’s a tricky period to be the man in charge as they try to make sure they bring the best possible squad to the World Cup

WRU boss says Wales coach Warren Gatland ‘one of the best in the world’

15:05 , Luke Baker

Warren Gatland has been backed to turn around Wales’ fortunes and lead them towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Nigel Walker, the Welsh Rugby Union’s interim chief executive, hailed Gatland during a press conference unveiling of Abi Tierney as the organisation’s new chief executive – a post she will commence by the end of this year.

New Zealander Gatland is eight months into his second stint as Wales head coach after replacing Wayne Pivac and he is preparing for a fourth World Cup at the helm during September and October, having masterminded semi-final appearances in 2011 and 2019.

Wales finished fifth in the Six Nations earlier this year, while Gatland inherited a squad that lost nine out of 12 Tests in 2022.

“The contract was a five-year contract. There is a clause (believed to be after the World Cup in France), but I cannot see any circumstances whereby we would invoke that clause,” Walker said.

WRU boss says Wales coach Warren Gatland ‘one of the best in the world’

Talking points ahead of Wales vs South Africa

15:00 , Luke Baker

Siya Kolisi’s timely return

When South Africa’s 2019 World Cup-winning captain suffered a knee injury in April and subsequently underwent knee surgery, doubts surfaced about whether he would be fit in time for the Springboks’ title defence.

It has been a long road back, but Kolisi will make his first appearance of the year in Cardiff after missing the Rugby Championship. South Africa face New Zealand at Twickenham next Friday, then it is full steam ahead for a World Cup opener against Scotland on September 10. With their figurehead back, it should feel like business as usual for the Springboks.

Talking points ahead of Wales vs South Africa

14:53 , Luke Baker

The future looks bright

There will inevitably be a sense of crushing disappointment for those players not selected in Wales’ World Cup squad, but the seeds of Wales’ 2027 campaign in Australia are already being sown. Gatland’s preliminary training squad announced in May contained 10 uncapped players, and he has not been afraid to give them a chance.

Centres Max Llewellyn and Joe Roberts and prop Corey Domachowski are among those who have impressed, while the further progression of players such as fly-half Sam Costelow, centre Mason Grady and lock Dafydd Jenkins has been met with considerable excitement. Whatever happens on Monday, Wales’ player pool is rippling nicely.

Talking points ahead of Wales vs South Africa

14:46 , Luke Baker

Wales in decent shape

When Gatland returned for a second stint as Wales boss seven months ago, off-field issues abounded and spilled over into the Six Nations. Welsh rugby was gripped by financial strife and contractual uncertainty, with a threatened players’ strike only averted three days before England arrived in Cardiff.

Wales finished fifth in the tournament, winning a solitary game, but Gatland has now stamped his mark during a priceless three-month period with the players, and the whole environment feels and looks a better place. Wales were World Cup semi-finalists twice during Gatland’s previous reign. Enough said.

Talking points ahead of Wales vs South Africa

14:39 , Luke Baker

Captain Morgan in the driving seat

With Ospreys flanker Jac Morgan leading Wales in two of their three preparation Tests, he is now an odds-on favourite to be the World Cup captain. The 23-year-old set a high bar during Wales’ 20-9 victory over England on August 5, and he has been handed the reins against South Africa.

Gatland appointed a 22-year-old Sam Warburton as his World Cup skipper in 2011, and Morgan is out of a similar mould as an outstanding performer who has huge respect from playing peers and coaches alike. No one can seriously question his credentials for the job.

Talking points ahead of Wales vs South Africa

14:32 , Luke Baker

Last-chance saloon?

Wales’ World Cup hopefuls will know within 48 hours of the final whistle against South Africa whether they have made Gatland’s squad. A tough preparation period has included training camps in Switzerland and Turkey, plus home and away appointments with England, and decision day is now looming.

Wales currently have a 48-strong group while only two players – injured pair Gareth Anscombe and Taulupe Faletau – will not have been involved in the warm-ups, although they are widely expected to make the World Cup squad. Today’s game sees some players entering the last-chance saloon.

Wales ready to meet South Africa’s physicality head on, says Aaron Wainwright

14:26 , Luke Baker

Aaron Wainwright admits Wales will face a team that sets the bar in terms of physicality when they meet World Cup warm-up opponents South Africa.

Wales’ final preparation Test promises to be a full-on spectacle at the Principality Stadium, with reigning world champions South Africa parading many of their star names.

Fit-again captain Siya Kolisi returns to the starting line-up after recovering from a serious knee injury, while 390 caps worth of experience up front also includes players such as Steven Kitshoff, Malcolm Marx and Pieter-Steph du Toit.

“We have spoken about physicality all week,” Wales No 8 Wainwright said. “If there is a team you are going to come up against at international level that is going to set the bar physicality-wise it is going to be South Africa.

“We have spoken about what we can bring to them in the physical test. Let’s not wait for them to bring the challenge to us. Let’s get off the line and meet them and show what we can do physically.”

Wales ready to meet South Africa’s physicality head on, says Aaron Wainwright

Siya Kolisi in but Handre Pollard out as South Africa announce Rugby World Cup squad

14:20 , Luke Baker

South Africa captain Siya Kolisi has been included in the squad for next month’s Rugby World Cup but other key players are left out because of injury, including influential fly-half Handre Pollard and World Cup-winning centre Lukhanyo Am.

Kolisi had major knee surgery in April but South Africa are confident he will be fit in time for their first pool game against Scotland in Marseille on September 10.

There are 12 World Cup debutants but the Boks kept the bulk of the side that won the tournament in Japan four years ago.

But Am, who twisted his knee in a warm-up Test against Argentina on Saturday, and Pollard, who has a long-running calf injury, were among the notable omissions when the squad was unveiled at an elaborate televised ceremony on Tuesday.

Siya Kolisi in but Handre Pollard out as South Africa announce Rugby World Cup squad

South Africa team news and line-up

14:01 , Luke Baker

South Africa are boosted by the return of Siya Kolisi in the back row, with the flanker having made a quick recovery from an injury that at one time appeared to threaten his participation in the defence of their World Cup crown.

Eben Etzebeth gets a week off at lock but the second row is suitably sizeable with Jean Kleyn and RG Snyman paired, while Jasper Wiese gets the nod at No 8.

With Lukhanyo Am and Handre Pollard injury absentees from Jacques Nienaber’s World Cup squad, Jesse Kriel and Manie Libbok are likely tournament starters, and the same might be true for Canan Moodie with Makazole Mapimpi and Kurt-Lee Arendse also vying for a wing place.

Jaden Hendrikse starts in the absence of Faf de Klerk while the bench includes a familiar six forwards, two backs split.

South Africa XV: Steven Kitshoff, Malcolm Marx, Frans Malherbe; Jean Kleyn, RG Snyman; Siya Kolisi (capt.), Pieter-Steph du Toit, Jasper Wiese; Jaden Hendrikse, Manie Libbok; Cheslin Kolbe, Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel, Canan Moodie; Willie le Roux.

Replacements: Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche, Vincent Koch, Franco Mostert, Marco van Staden, Duane Vermeulen; Grant Williams, Damian Willemse.

Wales team news and line-up

13:56 , Luke Baker

British and Irish Lions Liam Williams and Dan Biggar will miss Wales’ final World Cup warm-up game against South Africa. Both players had been selected to start the match in Cardiff, but have been withdrawn as a precautionary measure.

The Welsh Rugby Union said that full-back Williams had a tight hamstring, with Biggar suffering from back irritation.

Cai Evans is promoted from the replacements’ bench to make his Test debut as Williams’ replacement, while Sam Costelow replaces fly-half Biggar. Evans’ spot on the bench is filled by Scarlets back Tom Rogers.

Wales XV: Corey Domachowski, Elliot Dee, Keiron Assiratti; Ben Carter, Will Rowlands; Dan Lydiate, Jac Morgan (capt.), Aaron Wainwright; Kieran Hardy, Sam Costelow; Rio Dyer, Johnny Williams, Mason Grady, Alex Cuthbert; Cai Evans.

Replacements: Sam Parry, Nicky Smith, Henry Thomas, Teddy Williams, Taine Basham; Tomos Williams, Max Llewellyn, Tom Rogers.

Wales vs South Africa - Rugby World Cup warm-up

13:30 , Luke Baker

Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of Wales vs South Africa in the latest Rugby World Cup warm-up.

We’ll bring you all the latest updates as Wales play their final warm-up game, just 48 hours before Warren Gatland confirms his final 33-man squad for the World Cup, while inspirational captain Siya Kolisi returns from a long-term injury for the Springboks.