Wales rugby legend James Hook has defended the players after their 73-0 defeat to South Africa (Image: (Andrew Matthews/PA Wire))

Former Welsh rugby star James Hook says that off-field issues are clearly impacting the squad after their heavy defeat to South Africa. Steve Tandy's side were hammered 73-0 by the Springboks, with the visitors to Principality Stadium scoring 11 tries.

Wales had already suffered heavy defeats to New Zealand and Argentina, in between a last-gasp win over Japan, this month. And though their latest loss is particularly embarrassing, Hook has admitted the problems go deeper than blaming players.

He said on BBC Radio Wales: "It's not the time to pick out individuals or flaws in how we attacked or how we defended.

"Everybody knows the situation with Welsh rug

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