Wales are battered by force of Storm Sprinbok

THE closed Principality Stadium roof kept Storm Bert at bay, but for Wales there was to be no escape from Storm Springbok.

- SIMON THOMAS

Just as the rain had poured down outside during the day, so the tries poured in under the roof with the dominant visitors crossing seven times.

But for Warren Gatland’s team, there was the consolation of scores at the end of either half from Rio Dyer and James Botham, while there was heart and character shown in the face of the mighty double world champions.

Indeed, some Welsh supporters will probably have left the ground thinking it could have been worse given the level of pre-much trepidation.

Yet, in a way, that says much about the current plight of Welsh rugby.

The record run of defeats under Gatland has now been extended to 12. Moreover, it’s the first time since 1937 Wales have gone a calendar year without winning a game and there were only three matches back then, whereas they have lost all 11 this year.

Gatland’s record in his second spell in charge now reads played 24, won six, lost 18.

What the future holds for the Kiwi coach remains to be seen, with a review to be carried out by the WRU.