Morgan insists Wales are closing gap despite South Africa drubbing

Wales captain Jac Morgan has insisted the national team is closing the gap on the world's best sides, despite suffering a 43-0 hammering by South Africa in the Nations Championship.

Steve Tandy's side recorded a 39-24 win over Fiji in the opening round but then lost heavily to Argentina and the Springboks, leaving them 11th in the world rankings with a 3-9 record from their first 12 Tests under the new head coach.

Morgan's defence

"I think we are – or at least we hope we are," Morgan said when asked if Wales were closing the gap. The flanker, who recently moved from Ospreys to Gloucester, missed eight Tests earlier in the season due to a shoulder injury but remains optimistic about the squad's development.

• Wales opened the Nations Championship with a 39-24 win over Fiji in Cardiff.
• They then lost to Argentina and South Africa, with the Springboks winning 43-0 despite rotating their side.
• Morgan highlighted performances against Scotland, Ireland and Italy during the Six Nations as evidence of progress.
• The squad has a 3-9 record in 12 Tests under coach Steve Tandy.

Looking ahead, Wales have four Nations Championship fixtures in November against Japan, New Zealand and Australia, followed by a finals weekend at Twickenham against another southern hemisphere opponent. The team is also preparing for next year's World Cup, where they face England, Tonga and Zimbabwe in the group stage.