Winning Wales wary of resurgent Springboks
>> CARDIFF: Wales coach Warren Gatland has admitted to being wary of a resurgent South African team he says has reclaimed some of its “old identity”.
Gatland said today’s match at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium had the feeling of a Cup game, with the Welsh bidding for a ninth successive victory, last achieved in 1999.
Wales have seen off Scotland 21-10, edged past Australia 9-6 and overran Tonga 74-24, while the Springboks arrived in Cardiff on the back of a hard-fought 26-20 victory in Scotland last weekend following an injury-time 29-26 win over France and a 12-11 defeat by England.
“They have reclaimed some of their old identity and what they’re about,” Gatland said of the Boks, who now have Rassie Erasmus at the helm.
“Physicality and a strong scrum, a driving lineout and strong ball-carriers. That’s why you always respect them for what they are. They have gone back to being tough and physical and have subtleties in the way they play.”
Gatland played down his team’s winning streak, saying it had not been used as motivation.
“What has built nicely is the momentum, the players are fully aware of what they’ve achieved and they can do something special and from that they know the momentum is created for the Six Nations and they can continue to build towards the World Cup,” he said.
“The job is easy for us as coaches at the moment because there is a lot of motivation in the squad with players wanting to do well and fight hard for their jersey. There’s also the rewards of being successful and winning and building on that momentum.”
Gatland, whose sole change from the team that beat Australia was Liam Williams drafted in at fullback in place of the concussed Leigh Halfpenny, added: “It’s the end of a campaign, like a Cup game — winner takes all.”
During last year’s autumn tour, the Springboks were drubbed 38-3 by Ireland, scraped past France and then lost to Wales after a season that saw them win just two of their six Rugby Championship matches.
But things have changed, with Erasmus crediting the players for stepping up to the plate.
“Sometimes you have to reach rock bottom to accept there are a few things wrong,” said Erasmus.