adminCAPE Town. – Wales have been united in South Africa. United in victory and united in defeat in Cape Town following the third–Test series decider.
As South Africa captain Siya Kolisi led the raucous celebrations around the stadium following the 30-14 victory, this Wales touring party descended into a huddle for a moment of quiet reflection.
Everybody was there.
Players, coaches, medical and backroom staff. Maybe even a rogue Welsh Rugby Union committee member could be spotted.
Head coach Wayne Pivac spoke first, captain Dan Biggar followed. They were not long addresses. Short, sharp messages to wrap up what had been a captivating three weeks.
Historical achievements, last-minute winning kicks, controversial selections, the three-match series has proved more eventful than many predicted.
Following a home humbling against Italy in March, Wales had arrived in South Africa with many expecting them to be cannon fodder against the world champions. That was not the case.
Wales’ second-Test win in Bloemfontein was their first against the Springboks on South African soil, while they were beaten by Damian Willemse’s last-gasp penalty in the first Test, going down 32-29.
They will note the historic win was achieved against a Springboks side that had made 14 changes for the second Test.
Wales will also reflect that they should have triumphed in the opener in Pretoria against the Springboks side that had won the 2019 World Cup and defeated the British and Irish Lions in a series two years later.
Pivac’s team might not have managed to emulate Ireland and England’s away series victories in New Zealand and Australia, they have, though, restored some pride back in the Wales jersey and offered encouragement ahead of the World Cup in France next year.
So just four months after that Italy defeat, Wales will view the tour as being successful in many facets.
Pivac and his coaching staff will now turn their attention to the global tournament which starts in 14 months.
The build-up begins with an autumn series against New Zealand, Australia, Argentina and Georgia before the 2023 Six Nations and the long road to the world showpiece in France.
The players will go back to their clubs and regions now. It is important to note any sense of a feel-good factor should not detract from the problems that beset Welsh rugby. They remain.
WRU bosses have been in South Africa to witness the international scene, but they must turn their attention to helping the domestic game and the professional sides.
At least the backdrop is a little brighter.
Wales do not want to be heroic losers. But these three weeks in South Africa have ensured they have taken a step back in the right direction.–BBC Sport
Online Reporter