South Africa 37 - 21 Wales

By Paul Jones 15/06/2008

Shane Williams conjured a stunning solo try in the second Test in Pretoria, but it was not enough to prevent Wales slumping to a 2-0 series defeat.

Williams showed his predatory instincts in beating five Springboks on a weaving run to the corner.

Even the home fans acclaimed his 43rd international try, a magical moment that instilled Wales with the belief they could topple the world champions.

Just as important was an opportunist try from scrum-half Gareth Cooper.

Early tries from Jean de Villiers and Ricky Januarie brought back memories of South Africa's 43-17 romp in the opening Test, but Cooper's quick thinking halted the onslaught.

Warren Gatland's men were vastly improved and led three times before the Springboks finally powered home in the final quarter.

Welsh skipper Ryan Jones said: "It's been a tough week and we've given away too many points, but we did ourselves justice today." Wales have now lost all eight encounters on South African soil, although there was much to please Gatland.

However, they were helped by a Springboks side which looked complacent at times.

Stephen Jones kicked Wales ahead with a penalty, but De Villiers dived over after a shortrange lineout.

Then a dynamic run from Juan Smith was finished off by the supporting Januarie.

Wales were in danger of being overwhelmed, but they responded with Cooper's crucial try after good work by Jonathan Thomas at a lineout, before Williams added his magical score.

Butch James kept South Africa in touch with his boot, but Stephen Jones was on target once again to push the Grand Slam winners 21-20 ahead.

But De Villiers went over for his second, James converted to complement two quickfire penalties and Bismarck Du Plessis' last-gasp try completed the scoring.

South Africa tries: de Villiers 2, Januarie, du Plessis; cons: James 4; pens: James 3.

Wales tries: Cooper, Williams; con: S. Jones; pens: S. Jones 3..