Wales face an incredibly daunting task as they prepare to take on the Springboks in Durban on Saturday. The challenge is made even heavier by the memory of their last encounter in November, where the reigning world champions ran riot in Cardiff with a devastating 73-0 victory.
Former Welsh centre Jonathan Davies believes his countrymen must brace themselves for an intense physical battle against a clinical South African side.
“I see South Africa having a lot of confidence and swagger. I don’t see them taking any pity on us,” Davies told Betpack. “It could be an extremely tough day for our boys. I just want Wales to focus on becoming a tough team to beat.”
That previous 73-0 shutout was a historic low point for Wales, marking their heaviest defeat of all time and the first time they had failed to score a single point at home since 1998.
Wales hoping to avoid catastrophe against Springboks
With a repeat of that result looming as a potential catastrophe for Welsh rugby, Davies remains highly realistic about what his nation can hope to achieve this weekend.
“Test match rugby is all about winning in my mind. I’d much rather score nine points and win than score 30 points and lose. But if Wales can keep it to within 25 points, I’ll take that and they’ll have done well.”
Springbok Squad Rotation: Debuts and Injuries
While the challenge remains immense, South Africa will field a heavily altered lineup. The Springboks are handing out four Test debuts in their starting fifteen:
- Jaco Williams (Wing)
- Vusi Moyo (Flyhalf)
- Ruben van Heerden (Lock)
- Carlu Sadie (Prop)
However, the Boks will be without a massive core of championship experience. The following players were not considered for selection as they continue to recover from injuries:
- Eben Etzebeth (Lock)
- Franco Mostert (Utility forward)
- Andre Esterhuizen (Centre/flanker)
- Canan Moodie (Utility back)
- Handre Pollard (Flyhalf)
- Ox Nche (Prop)
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