CARDIFF – South Africa captain Siya Kolisi returned to action as the Webb Ellis trophy holders overwhelmed Wales 52-16 in a Rugby World Cup warm-up match in Cardiff on Saturday.
The Springboks scored from their first entry into the Wales 22 in just the fourth minute, Kolisi’s fine pass sending in hooker Malcolm Marx for a try at the corner.
Fly-half Manie Libbok missed the conversion and Wales then edged ahead at 6-5 through two Sam Costelow penalties.
But the Springboks hit back with their second try, giant lock RG Snyman making an initial break before full-back Willie le Roux’s floated pass released right wing Moodie.
Following fly-half Costelow’s third successful penalty, South Africa went further ahead with a penalty try in the 34th minute.
Le Roux’s chip into the corner was batted away by Rio Dyer, under pressure from Moodie. Following a lengthy video review, Wales wing Dyer was sin-binned and a penalty try awarded.
Moments later, South Africa had another try.
Damian de Allende kicked ahead but Mason Grady appeared to have snuffed out the danger by gathering the ball.
But in trying to offload, the ball came loose out of his hands and Kriel pounced, with South Africa 24-9 ahead at half-time.
Kriel had a spectacular second try 12 minutes into the second half as he sprinted clear to crown a length of the field move after Pieter-Steph du Toit intercepted a Wales pass near the Springboks’ line.
Du Toit then powered over from a close-range ruck before Moodie crossed for his second try.
Fly-half Libbok, who landed five conversions, then sent in Damian Willemse before Wales managed their only try, through replacement hooker Sam Parry.
South Africa continue their preparations with a warm-up game against arch-rivals New Zealand at Twickenham on Friday.