Forwards coach Daan Human says the Springboks’ match against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday is another chance for fringe players to impress.
Both teams go into the clash without several leading lights as the Test falls outside World Rugby’s international window.
The world champions will be without World Rugby Player of the Year Malcolm Marx, Thomas du Toit, Boan Venter, Lood de Jager (suspended), RG Snyman, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Grant Williams, Handre Pollard, Manie Libbok, Jesse Kriel, Cheslin Kolbe, and Edwill van der Merwe, who have all returned to their franchises or clubs.
Asked about the disruptive impact of missing so many players, Human said the Boks are used to rotating match-day squads.
“Week in, week out we’re playing with a different team. Yes, we’re missing a couple of players, but it’s another opportunity for guys who featured last weekend [against Ireland] and against Italy.”
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The Boks went unbeaten on their 2024 end-of-year tour – their first in over a decade – and are be looking to make it consecutive flawless sojourns to the northern hemisphere.
“We set goals at the beginning of the year, and there’s only one game left, so it would be a great achievement if we can get it right,” said Human. “But we don’t think about records and being unbeaten, we simply focus on the next game.”
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Human’s work with the Springbok front row has been widely lauded, especially after the demolition job on the Ireland scrum at the weekend. However, he refused to get drawn on whether Wales can expect more of the same.
“My father always tells me: don’t tell me what you’re going to do, tell me what you have done.”
While 11th-ranked Wales have only won two out of 10 Tests this year, Human said there was a lot of respect for them despite the Boks being overwhelming favourites.
“They’ve got quality players, especially their starting front row. Their captain is very competitive and vital for them. They’ve got experience, just like us,” he said.
“I don’t think it’s a good thing to have a favourite tag. You must have respect for the other team. You focus on your preparation and not on labels.”
READ: Springboks tighten grip at top of world rankings
Photo: Anton Geyser/Anton Geyser Media
