PLAYER RATINGS: By the skin of their teeth

OPINION: Wales also fielded a depleted team, loaded with fringe players. At least they managed to win enough of the crucial moments to claim victory.

A penalty from Robert du Preez looked to have given the South Africans victory in the American capital, but the replacement flyhalf then had two consecutive attempted clearance kicks charged down by Tomos Williams - Ryan Elias pounced to win the game.

The Welsh team made just as many errors as their opponents, but the few opportunities they did have they managed to finish off.

Jeremy Papier rates the Welsh players!

15 Hallam Amos

Managed to finish off the first try for the Welsh, but other than that he had very few opportunities.

4/10

14 Tom Prydie

Very quiet performance on the wing. Few touches and did not really come off his wing.

4/10

13 George North

Not really utilised at outside centre. Had very few opportunities.

4/10

12 Owen Watkin

Disappointing performance by the midfielder. Kept losing the ball in contact and the yellow card summed up his time on the field.

3/10

11 Steff Evans

Unfortunate injury 30 minutes into the game and got replaced. Had very few opportunities before that.

4/10

10 Gareth Anscombe

A scratchy performance by the New Zealand-born pivot. Struggled with his kicking, but looked good with ball in hand.

5/10

9 Tomos Williams

Solid performance throughout. Scored a crucial try for his team, after some sloppy defence by the opposition.

6/10

8 Ross Moriarty

Not as busy as usual, but had a few good carries. His run through the midfield in the second half just gave us a glimpse of his skills.

5/10

7 Ellis Jenkins (captain)

Perhaps the difference between winning and losing for his team on the day. Played very well and lead from the front. Made a couple of crucial turnovers that won the game for his men.

7/10

6 Seb Davies

A couple of carries up front, but did not dominate. Defensively solid.

5/10

5 Cory Hill

Got involved late in the game and made a try-saving tackle in the 67th minute, on Travis Ismaiel.

5/10

4 Bradley Davies

Did not see much of him throughout the game.

4/10

3 Dillon Lewis

Struggled at scrum time and got penalised a couple of times. Few carries and not much defensive work.

3/10

2 Elliot Dee

Good work away from set pieces, but struggled to lead the scrum.

5/10

1 Nicky Smith

Also struggled at the scrums and had very few carries.

4/10

Replacements:

16 Ryan Elias

On for Dee 71st minute, not enough time to be rated.

17 Wyn Jones

On for Smith 51st minute and added to his team's performance.

5/10

18 Rhodri Jones

On for Lewis 52nd minute and added to his team’s performance. He did, however, struggle in the scrums as well .

5/10

19 Adam Beard

Not used.

20 Aaron Wainwright

Not used.

21 Aled Davies

On for Williams 78th minute, not enough time to be rated.

22 Rhys Patchell

Not used

23 Hadleigh Parkes

On for Evans 29th minute, but did not make much of a difference.

4/10

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