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South Africa captain Jean de Villiers (c) makes a break through the Wales defence during the International Match between Wales and South Africa at the Millennium Stadium on November 9, 2013 in Cardiff, Wales.
(November 8, 2013 - Source: Stu Forster/Getty Images Europe)
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South Africa kicked their November tour off with a 24-15 victory over Wales at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday.
The pre-game hype revolved around Wales being billed as a pseudo-Lions team, but unlike what we saw in Australia, this team in red was unable to out-muscle their southern hemisphere opponents as the Springboks used their big men and rolling maul to devastating effect, outscoring the Six Nations champions three tries to none.
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James Hook of Wales and Duane Vermeulen of South Africa battle for the ball during an International between Wales and South Africa at Millennium Stadium on November 9, 2013 in Cardiff, Wales.
(November 8, 2013 - Source: Scott Heavey/Getty Images Europe)
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After twenty minutes Wales looked set for a drubbing as the visitors raced to a 17-6 lead. The tourists led 17-12 at the break but saw the hosts fight back to cut the gap to just two points heading into the final quarter.
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Wales player Sam Warburton is tackled by Eben Etzebeth during the International Match between Wales and South Africa at the Millennium Stadium on November 9, 2013 in Cardiff, Wales.
(November 8, 2013 - Source: Stu Forster/Getty Images Europe)
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Fourie Du Preez of South Africa beats Leigh Halfpenny of Wales to score a try during an International between Wales and South Africa at Millennium Stadium on November 9, 2013 in Cardiff, Wales.
(November 8, 2013 - Source: Scott Heavey/Getty Images Europe)
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Man of the match: A mention for Fourie du Preez, who once again pulled the tactical strings and scored a fabulous try. But we'll go with Bismarck du Plessis thanks to his role in setting up one try and scoring another.
Moment of the match: Wales were always going to struggle after Jean de Villiers's early try. Beyond being an outstanding try, it meant Wales were chasing the game for the rest of the evening.
Villain of the match: The pitch. Test match rugby is supposed to be the pinnacle of the professional game, but the quality of the surface wasn't worthy of much more than a rural club fixture.
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Duane Vermeulen of South Africa takes a ball in a lineout during an International between Wales and South Africa at Millennium Stadium on November 9, 2013 in Cardiff, Wales.
(November 8, 2013 - Source: Scott Heavey/Getty Images Europe)
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South Africa wing Bryan Habana is tackled by Mike Phillips during the International Match between Wales and South Africa at the Millennium Stadium on November 9, 2013 in Cardiff, Wales.
(November 8, 2013 - Source: Stu Forster/Getty Images Europe)
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South Africa captain Jean de Villiers (l) receieves the trophy off the Duke of Cambridge after the International Match between Wales and South Africa at the Millennium Stadium on November 9, 2013 in Cardiff, Wales.
(November 8, 2013 - Source: Stu Forster/Getty Images Europe)
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South Africa hooker Bismarck Du Plessis makes a break to set up the first South Africa try during the International Match between Wales and South Africa at the Millennium Stadium on November 9, 2013 in Cardiff, Wales.
(November 8, 2013 - Source: Stu Forster/Getty Images Europe)
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South Africa player Frans Malherbe in action on his debut during the International Match between Wales and South Africa at the Millennium Stadium on November 9, 2013 in Cardiff, Wales.
(November 8, 2013 - Source: Stu Forster/Getty Images Europe)
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next test:
16 Nov
Wales v Argentina
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17 Nov
Scoland v S.Africa
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