South Africa vs. Wales: Score, Reaction from Rugby World Cup 2015 Quarter-Final

South Africa claimed the first semi-final spot of the Rugby World Cup 2015 as they overcame Wales 23-19 in a hard-fought contest on Saturday at Twickenham, London.

Gareth Davies scored the only try of the first half with the match largely boiling down to a kicking contest between Dan Biggar and Handre Pollard, but a late try from Springboks captain Fourie du Preez sealed the win for South Africa.

The match was incredibly tight throughout, though Wales might have won if not for giving away countless soft penalties.

The Springboks drew first blood in the game as Pollard punished an ill-disciplined start by the Welsh, who gave away two careless penalties inside the first 13 minutes.

Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press

Adriaan Strauss allowed the Welsh a route back into the match just two minutes later as he gave away a penalty for holding on, and the excellent Biggar coolly slotted his first kick on goal between the posts.

A third kick from Pollard after Luke Charteris strayed offside restored South Africa's six-point lead after 17 minutes, but just one minute later, Wales clawed their way in front for the first time in the match.

Biggar was once again crucial as he chipped an exquisite ball over the Springboks' line and raced onto his own pass before feeding Davies, per ITV Rugby:

Opta Jonny noted the scrum-half's exceptional form at the tournament:

Biggar duly converted, before Charteris gave away yet another penalty, this time for obstructing Willie le Roux.

After such a frantic spell, the game slightly calmed down—if not on the field, then on the scoreboard—as some improved discipline and strong defending prevented either side from finding a way through.

An outstanding drop-goal gave Wales a one-point lead at the break:

Rugby journalist Andy Howell and pundit Jonathan Davies believed Warren Gatland's side had the edge in the first half:

South Africa began the second period strongly but saw the deficit increased from another Biggar kick, but they deservedly reduced the arrears back to one point when Pollard responded with a drop-goal of his own.

The Springboks continued to press forward but were blocked at every turn by Wales' exceptional onrushing defence, who snuffed out any threats before they began, while another kick apiece two minutes apart maintained the status quo with the Welsh one point ahead.

Biggar was taken off with a head injury inside the final 10 minutes, and with their best performer off the field, the Welsh soon fell victim to South Africa's pressure.

Alex Cuthbert abandoned his post on Wales' right flank and was punished as Duane Vermeulen offloaded magnificently to Du Preez, who went over unopposed in the corner:

South Africa will play either New Zealand or France next in a mouthwatering contest and likely be hoping to face the latter.

As for Wales, Gatland's men put in a magnificent effort, but in a match of such fine margins, their ill discipline cost them dearly.

Post-Match Reaction

According to BBC Sport Wales coach Gatland could not contain his disappointment with the heartbreaking result. He said:

"We don't want to make any excuses. South Africa won... and we we weren't good enough to win. At the end of the day South Africa did what South Africa do. They got one chance and they took it and that was the result."