South Africa beat Wales to reach World Cup final

Wales’ World Cup dream ended in Yokohama as they made another painful semi-final exit after losing 19-16 to South Africa.

The Springboks will face England in next Saturday’s final following fly-half Handre Pollard’s match-winning penalty four minutes from time.

Pollard kicked 14 points and centre Damian de Allende scored a try, with their opponents replying through wing Josh Adams’ Wales record-equalling sixth try in one World Cup, three Dan Biggar penalties and a Leigh Halfpenny conversion.

For Wales, who were semi-final casualties against France eight years ago when captain Sam Warburton was sent off, it proved an agonising experience.

Their hopes of confirming a first all-northern hemisphere Rugby World Cup final were dashed and they also lost wing George North and prop Tomas Francis to first-half injuries.

Wales now play New Zealand in the third and fourth place play-off. It will be head coach Warren Gatland’s final game at the helm before he steps down after 12 years.