The Springboks will look to end their highly successful 2024 season with a third overseas victory over crestfallen Wales at the Principality Stadium on Saturday. Shaun Goosen previews.
Autumn Nations Series
Wales v South Africa
Saturday 23 November, 19:40
The Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Things could get ugly for Wales when they host the double world champion Springboks at the Principality Stadium on Saturday evening. Already on their worst-ever losing run, copping another big loss could be final nail in the coffin for Warren Gatland.
To Win Match
Wales 13/1 | Draw 40/1 | South Africa 1/100
Handicap
Wales (+26.5) 9/10 | South Africa (-26.5) 9/10
Rassie Erasmus has made a number of changes from the team that defeated England 29-20 last week, with Jordan Hendrikse partnering brother Jaden at halfback, Jean Kleyn starting in the second row and Elrigh Louw coming in at blindside for Pieter-Steph du Toit. Thomas du Toit gets the nod at loosehead, while Wilco Louw starts again at tighthead with Johan Grobbelaar at hooker to complete the front row.
Bulls loose forward Cameron Hanekom will become the 12th Bok to debut this year when he is introduced off the wood in a 6/2 bench split that also features Cobus Reinach and Handre Pollard.
The double world champs triumphed 41-13 when the sides met in London in June in what was the seventh-consecutive Welsh loss in a run that has now extended to a record 11. Given what we have seen of late, there is a big possibility that the scoreline will be even bigger this time around.
Warren Gatland, a man who achieved such success during his first stint in charge of Wales, is likely to be coaching his final game at the helm, and it’s difficult to know where they go to from here following embarrassing home losses to Fiji (19-24) and Australia (20-52) already this month.
The manner in which Welshmen dropped off tackles against the Wallabies last week really painted a picture of where the team is mentally, and it’s difficult seeing them getting anywhere near South Africa this weekend.
Verdict: South Africa (-26.5) 9/10
South Africa should cap off a memorable year by picking up a big victory in Cardiff.
