8.4 million people are re-living one of the most iconic moments between Wales and South Africa.
With the two sides set to play at the Principality Stadium on November 23, footage of Wales lock Jake Ball facing off with Springboks scrum-half Faf de Klerk has gone viral on social media.
The incident occurred during the 2019 Rugby World Cup, where the ‘Boks snatched a 19-16 victory thanks to an Handre Pollard penalty with four minutes to play.
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Also in this game, Ball and de Klerk produced perhaps the image of the tournament.
Gareth Davies is smashed into touch by de Klerk after trying to snipe down the blind side, with the pair exchanging some verbals in the aftermath. Protecting his team-mate, all 6ft6in of Ball flies into frame, holding his 5ft 8in opponent by the scruff of the neck.
The Wales star looked well in the zone for the encounter, while de Klerk seemed to laugh it off. It’s been dubbed rugby’s version of David and Goliath, and helped the Springbok earn the nickname ‘Giant Slayer’ for taking on the big guys of the game.
You can watch the moment again by clicking below.
A popular figure in Welsh rugby, Ball has recently announced his decision to retire from the game. Since leaving Scarlets in 2021, the towering lock has been playing for NEC Green Rockets in Japan, with ex-Wales boss Wayne Pivac as the head coach. When he first left, he made himself ineligible to represent Wales (prior to 25-cap ruling.)
He earned 50 caps for Wales and played nine seasons at Parc Y Scarlets, in a career to be proud of.
De Klerk is currently sidelined with a thigh injury and is not involved in the match on Saturday. Like Ball, he plies his trade in Japan, but for Yokohama Canon Eagles instead.
Wales face South Africa on Saturday, November 23 at 5.40pm. Despite their close encounter in this game five years ago, South Africa are the firm favourites to win in Cardiff this weekend.
A higher resolution version of the iconic moment can be viewed below.
