Fullback Damian Willemse kicked penalty after penalty to secure South Africa Rugby a 32-29 victory over ill-disciplined Wales Rugby in a seesaw Test at a raucous Loftus Versfeld. Louis Rees-Zammit crossed twice in the first half to put Wales in control and Dewi Lake also crossed to equalize late on for the tourists, who came agonizingly close to their first victory on South African soil. They ran the world champions so close but paid the price for their cynical play in their own 22, losing four players to yellow cards and conceding a penalty. The Springboks might have won by a wider margin but for their own lackluster play as their tactical kicking was abysmal and their decision-making at key stages of the game uncharacteristically poor. Hookers Bongi Mbonambi and Malcolm Marx, and winger Cheslin Kolbe, crossed for tries for the home side. The second of the three Tests will be played in Bloemfontein next Saturday with Wales still looking for a first win in South Africa after 11 tries. Follow all the reactions below with our live blog:

South Africa vs Wales

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Later disappointment for Wales despite strong display in South Africa’s first Test

Damian Willemse broke Welsh hearts with the final kick of a pulsating Test match as world champions South Africa triumphed 32-29 at Loftus Versfeld. Willemse’s penalty – awarded after Wales captain Dan Biggar was deliberately tackled – denied Wales a draw. And for large stretches of a breathless contest, Wayne Pivac’s side looked destined to end 58 years of injury by claiming a first win over the Springboks in South Africa. Harry Latham-Coyle2 July 2022 18:55 1656783419

South Africa lead 1-0 in the series

You wonder, though, whether this was Wales’ best shot of the series. South Africa were rusty for long periods today, and will certainly settle into their work more quickly next week, and it will be difficult for Wayne Pivac’s side to replicate this type of performance in Bloemfontein next Saturday. Harry Latham-Coyle 2 July 2022 18:36 1656782999

Wayne Pivacs on Wales defeat

“It was a massive effort but when you’re down to 12 players against the world champions here it’s very, very difficult. Discipline – we were on the wrong side of the referee today and we have to go away and have a look at the penalties we conceded. “The effort was there, it was more under pressure, we made a few mistakes. I would have even taken a draw in the end. “It was a big step up from our last performance. I’m disappointed for the players because they worked so hard this week. It’s one that got away. World champions in their backyard. We’ll roll up our sleeves tomorrow and go again next week.” Harry Latham-Coyle 2 July 2022 18:29 1656782582

F/T: South Africa 32-29 Wales

A devastating defeat for Wales. They did admirably to stay with South Africa, first stopping the Springboks opposition and then batting slowly to get back level through Lake Dewi. But should Tom Williams have kicked the ball back to South Africa with 30 seconds remaining? He offered a chance to win it, which Damian Willemse took. Harry Latham-Coyle 2 July 2022 18:23 1656782357

F/T: South Africa 32-29 Wales

Dan Lydiate speaks to Sky Sports about the Welsh heartbreak: “I’m very disappointed to be honest. There were a lot of momentum swings in that game, but we thought we broke it. “Very disappointed after the Six Nations, we wanted to put in a good performance and bring some fight back to the shirt. But we came here to win. We’ll dust ourselves off and go again next week. “It’s just a massive privilege to wear the shirt again, so hopefully I’ll get another chance to wear it.” Harry Latham-Coyle2 July 2022 18:19 1656782086

FULL TIME! SOUTH AFRICA 32-29 WALES

Harry Latham-Coyle 2 July 2022 18:14 1656781961

PENALTY! SOUTH AFRICA 32-29 Wales (Damian Willemse penalty, 83 mins)

With the last kick, Damian Willemse grabs the win for South Africa! Harry Latham-Coyle 2 July 2022 18:12 1656781916

South Africa 29-29 Wales, 81 mins

A deliberate hit! Penalty in South Africa! Makazole Mapibi screams for the ball on the left wing for several phases. South Africa finally try to get the ball to him but Wales are compacting the space well and seem to be handling it… Until Dan Biggar extends his right arm into the path of a pass and is rightly adjudged to have knocked it deliberately. Damian Willemse will have a chance to win it from the 15-in on the left… Harry Latham-Coyle 2 July 2022 18:11 1656781822

South Africa 29-29 Wales, 80 mins

Wales would have loved a draw at this stage but dared not get stuck in their own half, kicking the ball back to South Africa. Who run it back with interest. Ceslin Kolbe and Louhanio Am make happy progress to the right as the jester shouts. Harry Latham-Coyle 2 July 2022 18:10 1656781767

South Africa 29-29 Wales, 79 mins

Alun Wyn Jones is back in the thick of things. Wales have 13 players on the field. Surely this means space for South Africa? Possession is with the Springboks in the halves, the backs are looking for those openings…oh, is that the right choice from Damian de Allende? Over time, it touches a small dimple. Harry Latham-Coyle 2 July 2022 18:09