A look at Wales vs South Africa

The new chapter of the Wales versus South Africa rivalry will be written on Saturday when the two sides clash at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

While these sides are not your traditional rivals, the recent history between the two teams has made this encounter a feisty affair, usually resulting in an arm-wrestle and close scorelines.

Just thrice in the last 10 meetings between them has the victors prevailed by more than seven points, with the Springboks leading the head-to-head 6-4.

In Wales’ first game against England, the lineout did not miss a beat, securing their own throw on all eight occasions, pinching six off England. However, in the reverse fixture at Twickenham, the stats were mirrored as England won all eight of their lineouts and stole six off Wales.

Even with Franco Mostert on the bench and Lood de Jager sidelined, Warren Gatland’s charges will face a stern test in securing their own lineout ball, never mind the scrums.

With Ken Owens ruled out and Dewi Lake and Ryan Elias in doubt over their injuries, all of a sudden, Elliot Dee has the opportunity to lock down the starting number two jumper for Wales. The 29-year-old Dragons hooker enjoyed a solid 74-minute shift in the home match against England, shining defensively, and he was flawless at lineout time.

RG Snyman earns his first start in Green and Gold since the 2019 World Cup pool stage match against Canada. The gigantic lock has endured a torrid run of injuries but made appearances off the bench in all three Rugby Championship fixtures this year.

Meanwhile, it is a first start in 2023 for scrum-half Jaden Hendrikse. The talented half-back looked to have taken possession of the starting number nine jersey last year before injury struck and is now back to press his claim after being named in the World Cup squad.

A box-office clash of Oppenheimer proportions awaits us between captains Jac Morgan and Siya Kolisi. The former is rapidly building his reputation on the international stage, while the latter completes his miraculous injury recovery.

For Kolisi, the Welsh captain provides an excellent marker as to how far away from his best he is as he looks to gain match fitness ahead of the World Cup.