Image source, Getty Images

So, Wales finish their first season under Steve Tandy with another defeat, a ninth in 12 Tests.

It was an expected loss against South Africa and being competitive would have been a success in Durban given that it was the number one side in the world rankings against the 12th.

In truth, they weren’t when nilled for the second time this season by the world champions.

The bookies gave Tandy’s men a 42-point head start in the handicap before kick-off and that proved to be a good prediction.

Wales showed fight and spirit but it was only Springboks' inaccuracy that kept the score down.

The world champions have plenty more gears to go through and will be a different beast against New Zealand in the coming months.

Dewi Lake & Co know that the gulf to the top Test teams remains huge despite some improvements made through 2025-26.

Can Wales close the gap when the Nations Championship returns in November? Japan is a must-win followed by fixtures against New Zealand and Australia in Cardiff.

A long season comes to an end, with Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets already back in training ahead of 2026-27.

See you in September for the United Rugby Championship!

Steve Tandy speaking on S4C: "Not scoring any points is always disappointing and we had one or two opportunities to score but we couldn't convert.

"Really proud of the effort the boys put in. There's a lot of growth in us and it's part of the journey that we are on and how quickly we have to catch up.

"Massively disappointed but this group is great and they work hard. They understand the journey and where we need to go to.

"We'll reflect on last year and seeing what we've improved on, but also the areas where we need to accelerate to catch up."

Wales captain Dewi Lake speaking on ITV: "I'm massively proud of the boys, some people might be shocked with me saying that with the scoreboard looking as it does, but for me there is a lot of improvement in that.

"You compare that performance to the performance in the autumn against the Boks.

"We're not happy with the nil on the scoreboard, we're not happy with losing, there's a lot for us to improve on, but we've had growth and I'm proud of every single one of those boys that pulled the jersey on and gave everything on that field today."

Image source, Huw

James Hook
Former Wales fly-half on BBC Radio Wales

Wales have got physical players that they could have picked today.

You've got Max Llewellyn and Eddie James, it's just about how you use players like that.

We haven't really got an identity.

Scott Baldwin
Former Welsh & Ospreys hooker on BBC Radio Wales

I feel flatter after that than the last game back in the autumn.

We only had three players missing today and South Africa had a weaker team than when we played them last.

I don't really know other than two games what our identity is.

Jac Morgan speaking on S4C: 'It was a hard game, we knew how physical South Africa were going to be and respect to them, they were really good today.

"It was a physical game, I'm a little bit gutted we couldn't get any points on the board but fair play to the boys, they stuck in for long periods of the game. Our discipline let us down at times and that gave them opportunities.

"There's work for us to do as a squad. You can see as a team that we're developing over the last few months. I respect all the boys for their effort over the summer.

"It's been three hard Tests and we've been tested. We just have to stick together and carry on improving.

"They are a great group of boys and the heart they've shown to keep battling is something we can take pride in."

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Jonathan Davies
Former Wales and British & Irish Lions centre on S4C

We don't break lines, we don't create momentum.

We never get on top of teams and they look very comfortable defending against us.

Flanker Paul de Villiers gets the honour.

He's been outstanding today and rounded off a fine individual performance with his team's sixth try.

Image source, Getty Images

James Hook
Former Wales fly-half on BBC Radio Wales

They've shown their power all game, we've seen it in the scrum, we've seen it in the maul.

South Africa left a lot of opportunities out there, but in the second half Wales were hardly in their half from an attacking point of view.

Wales are nilled again by the Springboks - it's 116-0 over two games in 2025-26.

It could have been worse but that was a predictably tough 80 minutes for Steve Tandy's side to finish their season.

Scott Baldwin
Former Welsh & Ospreys hooker on BBC Radio Wales

What we've learnt today is that they are a resilient group.

We've got a set-piece against 90% of teams in the world and we've got to build on that if we want to be competitive in the Six Nations and the rest of the Nations Championship.

Wales are trying everything for the elusive score.

A lovely cross-kick finds Ellis Mee down the left but the Scarlets wing fails to connect with an attempting kick on.

South Africa counter and really should have made more of it.

Wales are back in their 22 and need a solid scrum.

Dafydd Jones
BBC Sport Wales, Kings Park Stadium

Fans switched on the lights on their mobile phones, creating a spectacular light show around the stadium.

In the 67th minute, the mood briefly changed with a giant image of Nelson Mandela appearing on the big screen to mark Nelson Mandela International Day. The timing is symbolic – Mandela dedicated 67 years of his life to the fight for social justice, and people around the world are encouraged to spend 67 minutes helping others in his honour.

Moments later, the music returns and the celebrations continue as the home supporters enjoy another Springbok try.

Image source, Getty Images

Wales have seven minutes to get on the scoreboard. They will be down to 14 for another minute.

Good to see open-side flanker Tommy Reffell back on the international stage with a first appearance under Steve Tandy.

The Leicester forward was given the last quarter.

Scott Baldwin
Former Welsh & Ospreys hooker on BBC Radio Wales

South Africa look really comfortable, everyone knows exactly what they are doing and what their job is.

The frustrating part for Wales is that they look like they don't know what they're doing in terms of multi-phase and reset.

Ben Warren's yellow will remain yellow.

He'll be back for the last five and a bit minutes.