Dragon Will Rowlands was a leading performer as Wales came so close to claiming an historic draw in South Africa - but were ultimately left heartbroken by a last-gasp penalty from Damian Willemse.
Wayne Pivac’s men were magnificent throughout in what was a courageous performance which pushed the world champions to the limit in their own back yard.
It is a display that will have given Wales huge confidence going into next weekend’s second Test in Bloemfontein.
Rowlands - who finished the game with a leading 16 tackles - was at the heart of the opening try of the game as he stole South Africa’s lineout ball which allowed Gareth Thomas to charge forward.
The Ospreys prop off-loaded to Rowlands with the ball moved through the hands of Kieran Hardy, Dan Biggar, George North and Liam Williams with Gloucester wing Louis Rees-Zammit showing his pace to race in for the opening try.
