Former Welsh prop Jonathan Davies warns that the Welsh team is preparing for a monumental physical battle in Durban against a confident and heavily rotated Springboks side.
Wales faces an extremely difficult task as they are set to meet the Springboks in Durban on Saturday. The difficulty of this confrontation is amplified by memories of the last meeting in November, when the reigning world champions secured a crushing 73-0 victory in Cardiff.
Jonathan Davies believes his compatriots must be ready for an intense physical confrontation with the clinical South African side. He told Betpack: 'I see that South Africa is very confident and acting provocatively. I don't think they will show us any mercy. It could be an extremely tough day for our lads. I just want Wales to focus on becoming a team that is hard to beat.'
The previous 73-0 scoreline was a historic low point for Wales, marking the largest defeat in the team's history and the first time they failed to score any points at home since 1998.
Despite the immense challenges, Davies maintains a realistic view of what his nation can achieve this weekend. He noted that in test rugby, the main goal is to win. 'I would prefer to score nine points and win than to score 30 points and lose. But if Wales can keep it within 25 points, I will consider them to have done well.'
Despite the colossal difficulties, South Africa will field a significantly altered squad. The Springboks are providing four debuts in the starting fifteen: Jacob Williams (wing), Wusi Moyo (playmaker), Ruben van Heerden (lock), and Carlu Seydi (prop).
However, the Bok team will be missing a significant portion of experienced championship players. The following athletes were not included in the squad due to ongoing recovery from injuries: Eben Etzebeth (lock), Franco Mostert (utility forward), Andre Esterhuizen (centre/flanker), Canaan Moody (utility back), Handre Pollard (playmaker), and Ox Nche (prop).
Captain Walsha Devi Lek believes that the team's attacking power can be a serious weapon against the Springboks, but this is only possible if the team can withstand the physical pressure expected from the two-time world champions in the match scheduled for Saturday at Kings Park.
Although it is widely predicted that the impressive South African squad will dominate the forward battle, Lek insists that Walsha demonstrated enough during his tour to challenge the Springboks in one key area.
Ahead of the upcoming confrontation, Lek stated: 'I believe our driving maul was excellent. We scored four touchdowns in two matches thanks to it, and we have already hit the Boks with its help. First, however, it is important to get into dangerous areas, their 22-meter zone, and I think our driving maul can cause them problems.'
This confidence comes despite the fact that Walsha is preparing for possibly the toughest challenge in world rugby by facing the Springboks, a team known for its strength both in scrums and collisions. Walsha's representatives admit that they are facing 'the most physical team in the world, so it is a great opportunity to test ourselves.'
Lek noted that they are aware of what to expect from the opponent: 'We know what they will bring. They are a dominant team; they will try to dominate the set-piece and create opportunities from transition. It is important for us to stay focused on ourselves. We still have a lot to prove and fix on this tour, so it's about executing our game.'
The visiting team arrived in Durban aiming to recover the loss suffered last week against Argentina, a performance that, according to Lek, was significantly below the required physical level for a test match. He emphasized: 'For us, physicality will be a huge change. I said after the match in San Juan that we were not physically strong enough and did not win those physical confrontations. This weekend we must do it. If we do not meet them physically, the situation could get out of control.'
Much of Walsha's hope for competition against the Springboks will depend on the performance of their forwards. Lek believes that the dominant squad will also reduce the load on the young defensive line. He added: 'I think the best thing we can do is dominate as a unit and give our flyhalf the ball from the front. It is much easier to play No. 10 when your team is moving forward than when it is moving backward. If we can provide a stable set-piece, break the gain line, and score meters with the ball in hand, it will be much easier for him to control the game.'
Lek is not unfamiliar with the unique challenge of the tour in South Africa, as he participated in the Walsha series in 2022, which included a famous victory in Bloemfontein. He shared his impressions: 'It is an incredible place to play rugby. You play this game to test yourself against the best, and that is exactly what we are going to do. The atmosphere is always incredible, and it is a challenge that all players look forward to.'
Nevertheless, admiration alone will not be enough for Walsha. To finish a difficult tour on a high note, Lek understands that his team first needs to match the Springboks physically before using the very weapon they believe can change the course of the competition—the attacking maul, which has become one of their most potent attacking threats.
A match between the Springboks and Wales will take place in Durban at Kings Park stadium on Saturday. This fixture gives Rassie Erasmus an opportunity to test the depth of the Springboks squad, as they aim to maintain a winning streak at the start of the new Nations Championship.
Several young players are debuting for the 'green and gold'. They will strive to contribute to the world champions before facing a series of great opponents and the upcoming Rugby World Cup in Australia in 2027. The match is scheduled for Saturday evening, starting at 17:40.
The game is expected to feature many intriguing moments, especially in the following five confrontations:
One of the Springboks' debutants, Carlo Seedi, will face a serious test from the experienced Rhys Carre. After a tough fight for a spot in the squad, including recovery from a potentially neck-injuring incident, the sturdy forward in the tight five will want to make a strong impression in scrums and on the field. However, Carre is an experienced player capable of putting pressure on any No. 3. If Seedi can hold his position in the set-piece and apply his physical strength in open play, it will be a strong statement from the debutant.
This confrontation represents a clash of youth and experience. Jaco Williams is wearing the Springbok jersey for the first time and will aim to demonstrate his speed and ability to finish attacks on the wing when he receives the ball. His ability to handle high passes will also be closely watched. Facing him is Josh Adams, one of Wales' most successful back-rowers and a dangerous attacking player. The Welsh winger has 72 international caps, and he will be a serious challenge for the Springboks newcomer. Nevertheless, Williams will try to use his pace and agility to create problems for the Welsh defence in the wide areas.
This battle could play a decisive role in the battle for the out ball. Ruben van Heerden has established himself as one of South Africa's outstanding out-ball operators at the franchise level. He will finally get a chance to apply his wide skills at Test level. But against the very experienced Adam Bird, this could be a harsh baptism of fire. The Welshman is also effective in the air and poses a real threat from both sides of the kick. In addition to the set-piece, both locks enjoy carrying the ball and will aim to apply their physical power in intense clashes.
The duel between two young playmakers will be exciting. Moyo has been given the opportunity to play at Springboks' No. 10 on his debut. This is a clear sign that the Springboks coaching staff fully trusts his abilities and game management, which will be important against an unpredictable team. He has an exciting attacking line behind him, which he must lead in attack. Edwards, for his part, gets the chance to cement his place in the Wales squad. Territory, tactical play, and calm decision-making will be crucial for his team, given the Springboks' style of play. If he remains calm under pressure, it could significantly advance his team.
This is a heavyweight contest among the forwards. Du Toit is the heart of the Springboks squad and led in the absence of captain Siya Kolisi due to his relentless tackling, physical power, and immense work rate on both sides of the ball. Morgan is one of Wales' inspiring forwards, and his skill in contesting the ball, tireless engine, and physical strength could be key in this department. Both are expected to be actively involved in collisions, ball contests, and carrying the ball, which could bring invaluable momentum to their teams.
Welsh veteran prop Nicky Smith stated that his team must start the game aggressively and accept the challenge posed by the powerful Springboks squad as they prepare to conclude their tour at Kings Park on Saturday.
Experienced left prop Nicky Smith urged Wales to attack the Springboks in the upcoming Nations Cup match at Kings Park. He emphasized that the team cannot afford to repeat the cautious play that led to the defeat against Argentina. Wales arrived in Durban aiming to finish the tour on a high note after a heavy loss to Los Pumas, and Smith admitted that the team's biggest disappointment was its inability to truly dominate the game.
"I think the most disappointing thing was that we didn't feel like we landed a blow," Smith said on Tuesday. "We reacted after the break and regained some momentum, but by then it was probably too late. Against a team like South Africa, we have to start fast."
This experienced front-row player knows that few tests in world rugby compare to the harsh physical challenge presented by the famous 'Bomb Squad' and the starting front row of the Springboks. He noted that the desire to test oneself against the best is what excites the front-row player, as the Springboks are two-time world champions for good reason.
Despite the difficult task facing the visitors, Smith believes that Wales' scrum and lineout were true examples of strength throughout the tournament. "Our set-piece play went well. The scrum was a real weapon for us, but now we face the ultimate test. This is exactly the opportunity you want as a squad."
Rather than letting the intimidating reputation of the Springboks frighten the young Welsh squad during the tour, Smith explained that senior players and management actively encouraged newcomers to embrace the hostile atmosphere of Kings Park. "We understand the scale of the challenge, but the message was to get excited. We want to land our blow and see where it takes us," he stated. He also thanked scrum coach Paul James and forward coach Danny Wilson for their message, which helps young players feel excitement about the opportunity rather than fear of it.
One such young player is 22-year-old tighthead prop Ben Warren, whose international career began promisingly. After his debut for the Wales national team in a Nations Cup victory against Fiji, Warren scored his first international try against Argentina and hopes to retain his spot for Saturday's match. Warren acknowledged that the international arena is a significant step up from regional rugby, noting that the speed and physical aspect are on a completely different level compared to the URC (United Rugby Championship).
