Boks: history means zilch

With tension building before Sunday’s World Cup semifinal showdown in Tokyo, Springbok forwards coach Matt Proudfoot (below) has downplayed the national team’s four-year losing streak against Wales.

The Red Dragons, who were perhaps lucky to beat France in the quarterfinals last week, have beaten the Boks in their last four games. The Boks last picked up a win over Wales in their 23-19 victory in the quarterfinals of the 2015 World Cup.

Proudfoot pointed out, however, that most of those matches had been played in Cardiff and fell outside the Test window. He was confident of their chances this weekend.

“It’s nice that it’s going to be on neutral ground and we have a full squad to pick from,” he said. “That bodes well for us. We have got the team that we want.

“I suppose they can say the same, but it’s two teams going at each other and it’ll be interesting.”

The Boks are aiming to qualify for their third World Cup final, while the Welsh were looking to book their place in the trophy battle for the first time.

While the Boks lost just once in eight Tests this year, in their World Cup opener against the All Blacks, Proudfoot admitted the Welsh pack was a powerful unit.

“They are ranked third in the world and they are Six Nations champions, while they have got a fantastic defensive outfit.

“They also have a very formidable pack with one of the most experienced Test captains in lock Alun Wyn Jones.”

Proudfoot noted that the Welsh forwards provided the core of the British Lions pack which toured New Zealand in 2017.

“To go there and win a Test match [and tie the series], you have to be a very formidable side,” he said.

Boks coach Rassie Erasmus has tough choices to make before announcing his team tomorrow.