Wales suffered their biggest ever home defeat on Saturday against South Africa, losing 0-73 to end their year on a low.

The only defeat bigger in the history of Welsh rugby came in 1998, when a touring side lost 96-13 to the Springboks team that included Rassie Erasmus in the back row.

Whether it is rock bottom for Wales remains to be seen, but the glimpses of positivity shown in the previous three matches against Argentina, Japan, and New Zealand were washed away by a green and gold wave.

Wales struggle with basics under pressure

Throughout the match – when South Africa were kind of to give up the ball – Wales were caught trying to over-play their hand.

A Blair Murray 50-22 attempt was overhit and sent out beyond the dead ball area, handing the Boks an attacking platform. Minutes later, Dan Edwards’ kick off after a South Africa try went straight out on the full. Another unnecessary attacking position handed to the double World Champions.

Wales were also penalised – more on their ill-discipline later… – for numerous offences at the ruck. They were caught in at the side at least three times over the course of the match, once straight after South Africa scored a try, once again handing South Africa an easy territorial gain.

Steve Tandy has spoken about Wales’ disciplinary issues often over the last month, but under the pressure forced by the Springboks, they wilted.

Sacha’s a star

Just the 28 points for World Rugby team of the year flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu. His two tries were typical of the carrying threat he possesses, while he missed just two kicks at goal all afternoon.

The way he plays on front foot ball – not that South Africa often play on back foot ball – is better than anyone else in the world right now.

With his side clearly looking to evolve into a more all-court game ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, the excitement around Sacha could not be higher.

Back to Wales…

Tandy must make case for defence

Just the 200 points conceded by Wales over the course of four November internationals.

Steve Tandy was hired, in theory, as a defensive specialist coach, having impressed for Scotland over a long period of time and earning the chance to coach the British and Irish Lions in 2021.

If anything, Wales’ attack has been the bright spark this autumn, until the South Africa game, that is. Matt Sherratt’s attacking patterns are coming together nicely, but maybe Tandy needs to look at a new defensive specialist hire to help with Wales’ weakest area of their game.

Disciplinary issues bite again

Wales conceded 16 penalties against South Africa, evenly split between halves. Taine Plumtree and Aaron Wainwright were both sent to the sin bin, the former for persistent offences and the latter for a high tackle.

16 offences, to go with eight against Argentina, 11 against Japan, and 13 against New Zealand is simply too many. Every penalty causes a loss of control and Wales are a team desperate for control right now.

In each match of the autumn, Wales conceded more penalties than their opponents. That needs to change if they are to win some matches in the Six Nations.

Wales’ response is what will count

With another tough year approaching in 2026, including beginning the Six Nations with England away and France at home, the mark of this team will be how they can respond to this latest low.

The Scotland and Italy games at Cardiff must be targeted, as will the Fiji summer test and Japan in the autumn. If Wales can win three or four of those, then Tandy is working in the right direction.

“I’m excited for the opportunity, I know that’s probably hard to understand now,” said Tandy.

“I knew what the job was, where the group are and I’m loving working with this playing and coaching group. This game is raw, but I believe in this group and where we can go.

“Throughout history, there’s been upturns and moments in time where you have these scoreboards. But it’s not a lack of desire or effort. There’s a lot of talent. We’ve got to work out a way to nurture it and bring it through a hell of a lot quicker. It doesn’t change my mindset on what we want to do.”

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