The Springboks, back at full-strength, will be out to prove a point in securing the series against Wales in the third Test at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
South Africa v Wales
17:05
Cape Town Stadium
To Win Match
SA 2/13, Draw 33/1, Wales 43/10
Handicap
SA (-13.5) 9/10 | Wales (+13.5) 9/10
Last week, coach Jacques Nienaber made a mammoth 14-changes to the team that won the first Test in Pretoria. The result, unsurprising, was that his experimental side went down 12-13 in Bloemfontein to surrender the nation’s unbeaten home record against the Welsh.
Ahead of the Cape Town decider, the Bok boss has reverted back to his strongest available XV, with Faf de Klerk and Willie le Roux dropping to the bench in favour of Jaden Hendrikse and Damian Willemse respectively.
The occasion will mark Eben Etzebeth’s 100th Test outing in the green and gold, becoming just the seventh Springbok to achieve the feat. Bongi Mbonambi will make his 50th appearance.
Throwing it all the way back to cap number 1️⃣
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) July 12, 2022
🇿🇦 @EbenEtzebeth will make his 100th @Springboks appearance this weekend against Wales 👏 pic.twitter.com/c9iKZSdQjO
Knowing the mentality of the current Bok set-up, one would think these milestones, coupled with last week’s poor showing, will spur the side on to deliver the typical backs-against-the-wall performance we’ve come to expect from this crop of players.
On the other hand, the Dragons, who have been fantastic so far, will be all too aware of the fact that a first Test series win in the Republic is within reach. Experienced heads like Alun Wyn Jones, George North and Dan Biggar will be hammering home the point that the squad is 80-minutes away from achieving Welsh Rugby immortality, and you can bet the side won’t be taking any backward steps come kick-off.
The tourists will look for the same composed, tactically-assured performances that characterised their previous two outings, although they may have to brace for a resurgent Bok physical onslaught.
Verdict: SA (-13.5) 9/10
As good as Wales have been on tour, expect the Boks to come out guns blazing with a performance more befitting of their stature in the world game. They should clear the handicap here.
