Wales are in good spirits ahead of their bid for a clean sweep

DAN Lydiate believes that Wales “are in a good place” ahead of their Under Armour Series finale against South Africa today.

Lydiate and company are chasing an autumn Tests clean sweep, which Wales have never previously accomplished over a four-game schedule.

They are also in pursuit of a ninth successive victory against all opponents that would be their longest unbeaten run since 1999.

“It is probably the most competition (for places) there has been,” Wales flanker Lydiate said.

“And obviously there are boys out injured who will come back into the squad come the Six Nations.

“We are in a good place going forward and the coaches will be happy with the strength in depth.

“’Gats’ has kept the same squad together from the Australia game, so we’ve got to make sure we go out there and perform.

“It’s a good atmosphere, winning the last three games, and going into the last game everyone is in good spirits.

“But we are under no illusions about how hard it will be on the weekend. In recent games we’ve had good wins against South Africa but they are a different outfit these days.

“They’ve had a new coach come in and (he) has really given them what looks like a new lease of life. They are enjoying their rugby and they seem definitely back into form as one of the top nations.”

And the size of their threat is not lost on Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones.

“(Eben) Etzebeth is on the bench, so I am sure he is going to feature at some point, and they have got Francois Louw on the bench as well, so they’ve got strong guys to come in to the latter stages of the game,” Jones said. “I think it shows the strength of South African rugby at this time.”