I went down with my Dad to Cardiff to watch the game. It is customary for a home International to begin our day with a breakfast in Servini's cafe. The build up to the kick-off is spent drinking our way round Cardiff. This always includes a a few drinks at Cardiff Rugby Club. At 2pm we headed to the stadium. I was pleased to see a full capacity crowd. Last year's same fixture was well done on crowd numbers.
South Africa started the game much better than Wales and scored an early try. The opening signs did not look good when the Boks went 10 nil up within ten minutes. Andy Powell, on debut had a fine break in the first half. I was pleased with the set piece in the first half. By half time it was 3-13. With 30 minutes to go Gatland brought on Peel and Hook. The key moment of the game occured soon after. Hook's first pass was intercepted by De Villiers who sprinted in for a try. It was a crushing moment and I shouted in despair. I knew the game was all over then. Suprisingly Wales upped their tempo from that moment on and proceeded to dominate the possession for the rest of the game. The Boks almost went to sleep in attack though they did maintain a solid defence. Hook chipped away with some penalities and Wales, through Powell and Bryne had some good breaks. On another day, against lesser opposition Wales would have scored some tries but it just wasn't happening for them that day.
When the final whistle went it was quite disapointing. Wales were on the verge of beating South Africa. They were certainly the better team in the second half. Andy Powell was awarded the official man of the match.
My man of the match: Lee Byrne. From my position up high in the stands it gave a good view of the ground the full back was covering. Lee had a mixed day in attack, some fine runs, but it was his defense that impressed me most. He was a rock under the high ball and his game awareness was excellent.
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