South Africa 37 Wales 21: Wales bounced back admirably from an abject performance against the Springboks last week but were again kept at arms length by South Africa, though the hosts were given quite a fright by the Six Nations champions.
Seven days ago Wales barely showed up for the first Test and ended up losing 43-17 to the world champions. Today, though they allowed their hosts open an early lead, they played like a unit and scored another blistering try through wing Shane Williams.
Early tries from Jean de Villiers and Ricky Januarie brought back memories of the first Test, but Gareth Cooper's quick thinking halted the onslaught as he darted over for a try after the second restart.
When the hosts slipped into top gear, however, Wales could not compete with de Villiers burrowing over for the decisive score, while Butch James produced another kicking masterclass.
Stephen Jones booted Wales ahead with a penalty but the tourists' were reduced to panic stations shortly after when only timely intervention from Richard Hibbard denied Pierre Spies over the line.
One of the few positives to emerge from the wreckage of Wales' hiding in the opening Test was the scrum, but they were enduing a torrid time in the set piece this afternoon.
Rhys Thomas was coming off worst against Tendai Mtawarira and number eight Gareth Delve found himself driven over the whitewash at one backpedalling scrum.
South Africa were tightening the screw and made the breakthrough in the 12th minute when Jean de Villiers dived over after Spies had won a short-range line-out.
Butch James added the conversion and then slotted a second after a dynamic run from Juan Smith was completed by supporting scrum-half Januarie.
It was worrying times for Wales who were in danger of being overwhelmed by the pace and power of their opponents, but they responded with Cooper's crucial try.
A line-out was thrown to Jonathan Thomas who cleverly picked out an unmarked Cooper on the blindside while still in mid-air. Seeing his chance, Cooper raced down the touchline before stepping inside winger Tonderai Chavhanga for a superb finish.
Stephen Jones booted the conversion to cut the deficit to 14-10 and in the 32nd minute Wales found themselves ahead thanks to the brilliance of Shane Williams.
The ball squirted free onto the 10-metre line after hooker Hibbard had secured a crucial turnover and Williams pounced did the rest with a sublime piece of finishing.
The Ospreys winger then made a try-saving interception as Bryan Habana fixed his eyes on the whitewash, but Wales slipped behind when James kicked his first penalty on the stroke of half time.
South Africa were rocking early in the second half as the Welsh pounded away close to the line but they managed to break free through de Villiers.
James kicked another penalty but Stephen Jones replied in kind and was involved as Wales sought to take advantage of a creaking home defence.
Stephen Jones was on target once again to push the Grand Slam winners 21-20 ahead heading into the final quarter.
But reinforcements arrived from the bench to give the Springboks fresh impetus with Ryan Kankowski, Gurthro Steenkamp and Francois Steyn involved in the build-up as de Villiers powered over for his second.
James converted to compliment two quick-fire penalties, moving South Africa out of range with substitute Plessis completing the victory on the stroke of full time.
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