It is safe to say that Wales are huge underdogs to even come close to defeating South Africa at Twickenham on Saturday, much less pull off a shock victory.
Wales is beset by injuries and will be without players like Dafydd Jenkins and Christ Tshiunza because the game is being played outside of World Rugby’s designated window.
On the other hand, the Springboks have named a strong team that includes world-class players like Malcolm Marx, Eben Etzebeth, Ox Nche, Faf de Klerk, and Pieter-Steph du Toit.
Wales’ chances of troubling the world champions at Twickenham tomorrow are uncertain, but Warren Gatland will undoubtedly urge his men to silence their doubters.
Steffan Thomas: Wales lacks the strength and piece to pose a threat to the Springboks.
The Test match on Saturday appears to be the equivalent of scaling Mount Everest for Wales. Gatland’s team faces a formidable obstacle in the form of Springboks lock Eben Etzebeth, who nearly has the same number of caps as the whole Wales starting XV.
During the Six Nations, Wales lacked an explosive ball carrier in their pack and a powerful set-piece. It’s a great loss to lose the seasoned tighthead Henry Thomas, and it’s difficult to imagine a South African front-row led by Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx, and Vincent Koch not controlling the scrum.
Dewi Lake returning to captain the side will help Wales because the Ospreys hooker is one of the only players who can physically match the Springboks. Wales have to find a way of not getting overpowered up-front and there will be a huge onus on the back-row, especially openside James Botham, at the breakdown.
