Five-try South Africa began their reign as world champions with a convincing 34-12 victory over Wales in a rousing and fully-committed test match at the Millennium Stadium.

The Springboks featured nine of the team who beat England in the World Cup final a month ago and if they spent much of the time celebrating since then it did not show in an efficient display with touches of quality to give departing coach Jake White a satisfying send-off in his last full international.

Two tries for centre Jacque Fourie after an opener by flanker Juan Smith had South Africa 22-0 ahead before flanker Colin Charvis hit back for the Welsh with his 22nd try, a world record for a forward. Scores at either end of the second half by JP Pietersen and debutant number eight Ryan Kankowski underlined the Springboks' dominance, though Wales, under caretaker coach Nigel Davies before the January arrival of Warren Gatland, had a better second period and boasted a debutant try for fullback Morgan Stoddart.