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PREVIEW: Springboks kick off 2022 international season against Welsh in first Test at Loftus

The Springboks get their 2022 international season underway on Saturday against Wales at Loftus Versfeld. Shaun Goosen previews.

Siya Kolisi of the Springboks
Image Copyright - Steve Haag Sports

The Springboks get their 2022 international season underway on Saturday against Wales at Loftus Versfeld. Shaun Goosen previews.

Two women looking excitedly at cellphone

South Africa v Wales
17h05
Loftus Versfeld

To Win Match
South Africa 1/16 | Draw 40/1 | Wales 7/1

Handicap
South Africa (-18.5) 9/10 | Wales (+18.5) 9/10

It’s fair to say South African rugby hasn’t been this healthy in quite some time. With the World Cup, British & Irish Lions series and United Rugby Championship trophies all residing in the SA Rugby cabinet, things are at an all-time high for the rugby supporters of the Republic.

That said, there’s still plenty to accomplish for Jacques Nienaber’s men as they continue the build up to their World Cup title defence in France next year. Another Rugby Championship win should be top priority this year, while there remains a huge opportunity to beat the All Blacks back-to-back in the opening two rounds of the competition in August.

First up though, there is Wayne Pivac’s Wales to contend with; a side that heads into the series off the back of a humiliating first Six Nations defeat to Italy since 2007. The Dragons achieved just one win in the tournament this season to finish fifth, with questions remaining around the effectiveness of their game.

The team has been decimated by injuries of late, with Justin Tipuric, Leigh Halfpenny, Ken Owens and Ross Moriarty still out indefinitely. Still, they should receive a boost with the likes of Taulupe Faletau and George North back to full fitness and expected to start, with Dan Biggar keeping the captain’s armband from AWJ.

The Boks have named a side without Handre Pollard and Pieter-Steph du Toit, but still boast one of the most formidable matchday squads in the game. In some eye-catching selections, Damian Willemse starts at fullback after his sensational URC season at No 12, while Elton Jantjies is at pivot.

Verdict: Wales (+18.5) 9/10

While it shouldn’t be the blowout many are expecting, the Boks will overpower Wales to claim the result here.

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