Not for the first time with Gatland’s side over the last couple of years, it was hard to recognise an effective attacking game-plan.
There is currently no noticeable identity in the offensive system and a worrying lack of creativity on display.
One try from an opportunist piece of play by Dewi Lake was all Wales had to show for their efforts.
South Africa’s attack often found themselves on the outside of the Welsh defence but Wales failed to test the Springboks enough.
Wales’ most effective tactic were the high kicks aimed towards the returning Liam Williams on the right wing as he reminded people of his outstanding aerial ability.
Fly-half Sam Costelow was the architect of those kicks but he is still striving to establish himself as the main attacking conductor within the system, while scrum-half Ellis Bevan was solid on his debut.
Mason Grady was handed the starting inside-centre position for the first time in his professional career as Wales attempted another new-look midfield partnership with Owen Watkin outside him.
Other options are at Wales’ disposal with Ben Thomas, Eddie James and Nick Tompkins waiting on the sidelines but Grady’s potential and power game is an attraction.
With Wales looking for similar success in the transition that Jamie Roberts made 16 years ago, it is early days to say Grady in the number 12 jersey did not work.
But Wales are still striving to eke the most out of Grady’s talents because his physical attributes should ensure he is an international success. If utilised correctly.
Whether that happens in this current experiment, in his more favoured outside centre position or giving Grady a more roaming role from the wing, Wales have to solve this conundrum.
