Wales vs Springboks: What You Need to Know

The Springboks make a pitstop in Cardiff ahead of their Rugby World Cup campaign in France, taking on Wales in a warm-up match, of sorts, that will see both sides putting their more ‘final’ squads to the test.

South Africa sees a huge boost thanks to the return of Siya Kolisi, who will once again captain the side and test his mettle for the incoming global tournament. Two other returning players are that of Ox Nche and Jaden Hendrikse – who will make their first Test appearances of the year.

It’s clear that Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber is looking to capitalise on the more experienced combinations as he looks to start building momentum and cohesiveness within his squad for the tournament, which kicks off in France on Friday 8 September.

The team also features the reuniting of Steven Kitshoff, Frans Malherbe (both props) and Malcolm Marx (hooker) for the second time this season, while the Muster lock duo of Jean Kleyn and RG Snyman will start together in Springbok jerseys for the first time.

In the backline Hendrikse will take the field alongside regular flyhalf Manie Libbok, while Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel being rejoined in a midfield combination. Cheslin Kolbe comes in on the left wing where he will form an exciting back three with veteran fullback Willie le Roux and right wing Canan Moodie.

Nienaber opted for a six-two split in favour of forwards on the bench, where Nche and Vincent Koch will provide cover at prop and Bongi Mbonambi – who captained the team in the last Test against Argentina – at hooker, while the physical trio of Franco Mostert, Marco van Staden and Duane Vermeulen will also be ready to make an impact off the bench.

The two backs among the replacements are Grant Williams, who can provide cover at scrumhalf and wing, and Damian Willemse, who can slot in at flyhalf, centre and fullback.

After an impressive win over England a fortnight ago, Wales will be looking to fight their way back into the mind’s of rugby fans following a somewhat troublesome year.

Originally selected among the replacements for the final game in the Summer Series, the 24-year-old Cai Evans will make his debut in place of Liam Williams at fullback.

Warren Gatland has also pulled Dan Biggar out of the team (likely precautionary). His place will be taken by the impressive young playmaker Sam Costelow, with Tom Rogers taking the place on the bench vacated by Evans’ elevation into the starting XV.

Gatland is due to announce his 33-man squad for the World Cup on Monday, and with Taulupe Faletau, Ryan Elias, Dewi Lake, Gareth Anscombe and Taine Plumtree already carrying knocks, he decided to stand down two of his most experienced players before the Welsh have to take on Fiji in their opening game of the Rugby World Cup.

Time:

Kick-off is at 16.15 (SA time) on Saturday, 19 August 2023.

Teams:

Springboks: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Cheslin Kolbe, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 RG Snyman, 4 Jean Kleyn, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Steven Kitshoff.
Subs: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Franco Mostert, 20 Marco van Staden, 21 Duane Vermeulen, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Damian Willemse.

Wales: 15 Cai Evans; 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Mason Grady, 12 Johhny Williams, 11 Rio Dyer; 10 Sam Costelow, 9 Kieran Hardy; 8 Aaron Wainwright, 7 Jac Morgan (c), 6 Dan Lydiate; 5 Will Rowlands, 4 Ben Carter; 3 Keiron Assiratti, 2 Elliot Dee, 1 Corey Domachowski.
Subs: 16 Sam Parry, 17 Nicky Smith, 18 Henry Thomas, 19 Teddy Williams, 20 Taine Basham, 21 Tomos Williams, 22 Max Llewelyn 23 Tom Rogers.