Willie le Roux of South Africa (L) and Louis Rees-Zammit of Wales (R) are separated. Photo: EPA/NIC BOTHMA
Rugby World Cup warmup: Wales vs South Africa live coverage
Follow along as we bring you a steady stream of live updates ahead of Wales vs South Africa on Saturday 19 August and live match commentary.
Willie le Roux of South Africa (L) and Louis Rees-Zammit of Wales (R) are separated. Photo: EPA/NIC BOTHMA
Wales host South Africa in a 2023 Rugby World Cup warmup match that will be the Springboks first Test match in the Northern Hemisphere on Saturday, 19 August.
Kick-off is at 16:15 (SA time).
Here we bring you the latest news surrounding the fixture in the build-up as well as live commentary on the day.
ALSO READ: Springboks STRONGEST starting XV ahead of Rugby World Cup 2023
Wales vs South Africa live coverage
Teams
Wales
15 Cai Evans, 14 Tom Rogers, 13 Mason Grady, 12 Johnny Williams, 11 Rio Dyer, 10 Sam Costelow, 9 Kieran Hardy, 8 Aaron Wainwright, 7 Jac Morgan (captain), 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Will Rowlands, 4 Ben Carter, 3 Keiron Assiratti, 2 Elliot Dee, 1 Corey Domachowski
Substitutes: 16 Sam Parry, 17 Nicky Smith, 18 Henry Thomas, 19 Teddy Williams, 20 Taine Basham, 21 Tomos Williams, 22 Max Llewellyn, 23 Louis Rees-Zammit
South Africa
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 (captain), 5 RG Snyman, 4 Jean Kleyn, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Steven Kitshoff
Substitutes: 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
ALSO READ: Method to the ‘madness’ of not picking Pollard
The latest from Wales vs South Africa
ALSO READ: Handre Pollard and Lukhanyo Am not ruled out of Rugby World Cup…yet
Duane Vermeulen feels young and energised
Duane Vermeulen acknowledged the key role played by Ulster in getting him ready for the Rugby World Cup as he feels ‘young and energised.’
Vermeulen says that the Irish province managed his workload well and he is feeling great.
Is this the Springboks line-up for ‘big’ World Cup games?
On Tuesday, the Springboks unveiled the side to face Wales in a World Cup warm up game on Saturday, with coach Jacques Nienaber admitting that the time for experimenting was over.
With just two more games to go until the World Cup campaign begins, it’s clear that the Springboks are keen to start allowing key first-choice combinations some time to gel.
Make or break for Manie Libbok?
Manie Libbok may well be the most important member of the 33-man Springbok squad selected for this year’s Rugby World Cup in France.
The Stormers flyhalf is the only true No 10 in coach Jacques Nienaber’s squad.
Rassie Erasmus linked with top job in Ireland
Since 2018, Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber have been in the ‘top job’ positions for the Springboks, taking the team to new heights.
However, Ireland is calling Erasmus.
FOUR starting spots up for grabs ahead of Rugby World Cup
Everyone has their idea starting XV for the Springboks.
However, not even Jacques Nienaber or Rassie Erasmus have decided on these FOUR positions.
Kolisi BACK from injury for Wales World Cup warm-up
Kolisi injured his left knee in April and has been in intensive rehabilitation to be declared fit enough to form part of the Springboks’ World Cup squad.
After recently returning to full training, the Springbok captain has now been named in the Springboks’ matchday squad for this Saturday’s encounter against Wales in Cardiff. Kick off is at 4.15pm SA time.
Rugby World Cup 2023: Latest odds ahead of tournament
The odds ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France have been refreshed less than a month ahead of the tournament, which kicks off on Friday, 8 September.
Take a look at the latest odds, according to leading South African bookmakers Hollywoodbets.
Is this what the Springboks’ new bomb squad will look like?
The Springboks’ World Cup squad does feature a strong mix of youth and experience, but there was disappointment.
Flyhalf Handre Pollard (calf), Lukhanyo Am (knee) and Lood de Jager (chest problem) have been placed on standby with six other players, with all three veterans having previously been expected to feature in the starting lineup.
Springbok legend preparing for retirement after World Cup
After a legendary career it is probable that the Duane Vermeulen will head into international retirement after the World Cup.
He captained the team in what he may have secretly known was his last game on South African soil.
