These are the rugby headlines from Wales and beyond on Wednesday, July 13
Springboks wary of Wales 'menace'
The Springboks are wary of the Welsh breakdown threat posed by Tommy Reffell heading into the third Test decider in Cape Town.
Reffell has been going to work at the ruck throughout this Test series, with an eye-catching debut in Pretoria backed up by a man-of-the-match performance during the victory in Bloemfontein.
He snaffled a turnover at Loftus Versfeld but earned a number of penalties a week later at the Free State Stadium as he proved too sharp for the world champions. South Africa head coach Jacques Nienaber has labelled him a 'menace'.
READ MORE: The intelligence of Tommy Reffell analysed
“In the second game, our breakdown wasn’t good,” admitted Nienaber.
“It’s something we mentioned during the week and, as a coaching group, we had some faults there because the players weren’t tuned in enough. It’s either that or maybe the players who played struggled to handle him.
“We know him, I know him fairly well from coaching abroad. We know he’s a big threat at the breakdown and that he would be a menace. He’ll be a menace again this weekend if we don’t look after our ball.”
Warburton and Lions stars lead Roberts tributes
A plethora of individuals from across rugby have paid tribute to Wales and Lions star Jamie Roberts, who has hung up his boots following a glittering career.
Roberts, 35, decided to call it a day and announced his decision yesterday. You can read his full statement here. He won 94 caps for Wales, sharing in a succession of Grand Slams and Six Nations title triumphs under Warren Gatland, while also going on two Lions tours, being named Man of the Series in South Africa in 2009 and then helping secure the 2013 triumph in Australia.
Roberts announced the news via his social media channels and he was inundated with well-wishers and congratulatory messages from former team-mates and sides he represented over his playing career.
"A guy you’d definitely want in your corner. Hell of a player and guy. Massive congrats Doc," wrote Warburton. Ospreys coach Toby Booth said: "Congratulations Doc. One of the good guys who always remained on the level whatever the situation. Hope your next adventure gives you as much to you as you gave to the game. A salute to you sir."
"Outstanding career pal," said Sam Davies, while England full-back Mike Brown added: "Congrats on a great career mate!"
On Instagram, former Lions Sean O'Brien and Stuart Hogg paid tribute to him. "Congratulations fella, hell of a shift," said O'Brien, with Hogg adding: "Congrats big fella. Awesome career."
Former England and Lions hooker Brian Moore said: "Jamie, congratulations on an outstanding career and for pursuing achievements outside rugby. My very best wishes for the future which, I am sure, will be no less successful, whatever path you choose to follow."
As for the future for Roberts, you can read more about his plans post-rugby here.
Adams talks up clinical edge
Josh Adams has talked up Wales' clinical edge in the dramatic Test series against South Africa.
Chances have been at a premium for Wayne Pivac’s team in the first two encounters but they have been very sharp when the opportunities present themselves.
Louis Rees-Zammit was on hand to finish two opportunistic tries in Pretoria and the forwards didn’t blow it when they had a driving lineout opportunity either. In the second Test, Wales barely entered South Africa’s 22 but Adams crossed when Wales worked their best position of the match in the 78th minute and the ensuing Gareth Anscombe kick proved the difference.
Adams said: “You have to be clinical against South Africa, especially when you get into their 22, you have to come away with as many points as you can.
“We were clinical. One shot, one kill, if you like.”
He added: "Some chances we have been disappointed. Looking back over the two Tests there have been opportunities that we haven’t taken and that’s been frustrating for us, especially as backs.
“This week will just be about being as clinical as we can be and just taking the chances.”
All Black banned for three weeks
New Zealand prop Angus Ta'avao has been suspended for three weeks following his red card in Saturday's 23-12 defeat to Ireland.
Ta'avao was dismissed in the 31st minute of the match in Dunedin following head-on-head contact with Irish centre Garry Ringrose. On Sky commentary at half-time, it was described as "sickening" by Kiwi legend Sean Fitzpatrick.
The 32-year-old had only been on the field for a matter of minutes, having come on as front-row cover for the sin-binned Ofa Tu'ungafasi. Applying World Rugby guidelines, an independent judicial committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid-range entry point of six weeks, which was halved taking into consideration the player's "excellent disciplinary record".
Ta'avao admitted he committed an act of foul play but maintained a red card was not warranted due to the presence of mitigating factors. He has the right to appeal the outcome of the independent disciplinary hearing within 48 hours.
Ireland's victory at Forsyth Barr Stadium was a first over the three-time world champions on New Zealand soil and levelled the series at 1-1 to set up Saturday's decider in Wellington.
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