Wales struggled to contain the Springboks at crucial times in Cardiff © Getty Images

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Wales captain Sam Warburton did not attempt to hide his frustration after his side went down to a 24-15 defeat against South Africa at the Millennium Stadium.

Tries from Jean de Villiers, Bismarck du Plessis and Fourie du Preez, seven points from Morne Steyn and a conversion from Pat Lambie were enough to see off the Six Nations champions. Wales, who were hit by first-half injuries to Jonathan Davies, Liam Williams, Adam Jones and Scott Andrews, registered just five penalties in reply.

Wales came into the encounter confident of ending their hoodoo against southern hemisphere opposition and were spurred on by a typically electric Millennium Stadium atmosphere from the outset. But a super opening try from the Springboks, which saw de Villiers juggle the ball over the line after outstanding runs from Bryan Habana and Bismark du Plessis, Wales were fighting an uphill battle.

And Warburton was left to reflect on what might have been once again for Wales, who could not convert their control of second-half possession into an all-important try.

Warburton told BBC2: "There's a massive amount of frustration. We had genuine belief we could have won this weekend but it wasn't to be. We were in control for 23 minutes of the second half.

"It seems against these top sides you make one mistake and pay the price. But South Africa are a top-quality side. They finished their chances when they had to."

Try-scorer De Villiers acknowledged that Wales had plenty of the game but believes South Africa's win was testimony to their ability to convert when they needed to.

He said: "It's important what you do with that possession and we were probably more clinical. We are happy with the win but there is hard work before next week's game.

"We said we need to come out and perform, at least we were able to score three tries tonight.

"It's always physical: Wales are a quality side, it's always tough playing them, always special. These boys had a fantastic summer with the Lions."