Tommy Reffell of Wales (R) embraces South Africa captain Siya Kolisi (L) after the rugby test match between South Africa and Wales at the Cape Town Stadium, South Africa, 16 July 2022. Photo: EPA/NIC BOTHMA
Wales vs Springboks: ‘Respect’ the watch word for South Africa
The Springboks have had too many fierce battles with Wales to ever underestimate the Dragons on their own patch.
Tommy Reffell of Wales (R) embraces South Africa captain Siya Kolisi (L) after the rugby test match between South Africa and Wales at the Cape Town Stadium, South Africa, 16 July 2022. Photo: EPA/NIC BOTHMA
The Springboks have had too many fierce battles with Wales to ever underestimate the Dragons.
South Africa skipper Siya Kolisi has repeated the message and insisted that the Springboks will be on their guard against Wales.
‘Respect’ the watch word for the Springboks
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Traditionally matches between the nations have been arm-wrestles, especially in recent times.
Welsh rugby isn’t in the greatest space as cashflow issues threaten to derail the sport and struggles on the pitch have followed.
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Wales played two dour Tests against England in recent weeks that were enough to have most writing off both teams for the Rugby World Cup.
However, the Springboks aren’t buying into that.
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“We respect Wales a lot,” said Kolisi.
“They are similar to us in many ways, because they are hard-working individuals who don’t get things easy. They can take you to dark places, so it’s going to be a tough test.
“In the 2019 World Cup semi-final they played very similarly to us, and in the end, one penalty goal separated the teams.”
Grinding Dragons
The Springboks will need to play well to avoid being taught a lesson says Backs Coach Mzwandile Stick.
“It’s always tough to play Wales at home. They are tough people with a high work rate, and it shows in the way they play.
“They have a few young players coming through the system and I have no doubt they’ll want to show they deserve to be there. So, we are expecting a tough game. That said, the focus for us will be to make sure we build momentum with the Rugby World Cup ahead.”
Stick added: “They gave us a run in the Castle Lager Incoming Series last year, while they also showed against England that they are moving in the right direction. It’s going to be a tough grind and we must pitch up to beat them. They are a team that knows how to play championship games, and if you don’t respect them, they can punish you.”
The match kicks off at 16:15 on Saturday 19 August.
