Wales v South Africa Preview

As we enter into the final weekend of November Internationals, Wales go into their game against South Africa still searching for their first win over one of the Southern Hemisphere giants since 2006. They came close to breaking their duct last weekend putting it up to the All Blacks and were leading with 11 minutes left in the game until the magic of Beauden Barrett broke Welsh hearts.  Read then went over shortly after with Barrett also grabbing his second try of the game in what was a flattering 34-16 win for New Zealand. As for South Africa they struggled throughout against Italy in the end securing a 22-6 win and will now look to end their November series on a high with a win over Wales.

Wales record against South Africa does not fare well, with the Welsh losing 27 of the 29 games these sides have played against each other. with their last win coming in 1999 in a 29-19 win at the Millenium Stadium. This will be the third time these sides have met each other this year after two games in South Africa in June. South Africa eased to victory in the first test and won the second test a week later scoring two tries in the last 10 minutes winning 31-30 in a game Wales really should of won. The last time these sides met in Cardiff was November of last year where the Boks were victorious once more in a 24-15 win thanks to tries from Jean De Villiers, Bismarck du Plessis and Fourie du Preez.

In team news Wales make three changes to the side who lost out to the All Blacks last Saturday. Warren Gatland makes two changes in the forwards with both changes at front row. Gethin Jenkins and Scott Baldwin come into the side with Paul James and Richard Hibbard returning to their clubs. The only change in the backline see’s Liam Williams come into the team with George North missing out after failing to recover from a concussion he suffered against New Zealand.

As for South Africa they make five changes to the side that won in italy last weekend in a side where all 23 players play their club rugby in South Africa. In the backline the Springboks make three changes  with Johan Goosen and Bryan Habana returning to their clubs Racing Metro and Toulon with Willie Le Roux and Lwasi Mvovo taking their place in the starting XV. The other change is on the wing with Cornal Hendricks returning to the side with JP Pietersen dropping out of the squad. The remaining two changes come in the front row where Bismarck du Plessis and Tendai Mtawarira starting Saturday’s game with Strauss and Nyakane dropping to the bench.

Wales can count themselves unlucky not to have beaten the All Blacks last weekend and will be hoping luck is on their side this weekend when the take on the Springboks as they look for their first win over South Africa in 15 years.