Stander sends out warning to Boks

Former Baby Bok and Irish international CJ Stander has warned the Springboks to be wary of a wounded Welsh side, when the two teams clash in their three Test series in South Africa in July.

Stander was taking part in a United Rugby Championship round table on Wednesday afternoon when he was quizzed on the chances of a Wales side that has struggled this season and is missing a number of key players.

The retired Stander admitted that the Boks would be favourites, but Wales can never be counted out.

“It’s going to be a tough tour. There are quite a few injuries and the squad is rotating a lot.

“So it’s going to be a tough one, but one thing I’ve learnt against Wales, especially in the Six Nations, is when the dog is wounded that is when they get up,” said Stander.

“I think the first Test will probably be a win for the Springboks and from their things will be redrawn up and the guys will regroup and build from there.

“I don’t think you can write off Wales, even with their injuries. They still have unbelievable players and the coaching staff will try and get things in line.”

After having an average international season last year after returning to the international stage having missed the entire 2020 season due to Covid, the Boks will be looking to put in a better effort this year.

Stander believes that the Welsh series is the perfect time for the World Champions to get in some good game time and get on a run, which they can use to build up to next year’s World Cup in France.

“I think this is an important time for them to get their prep done and get a good few games in a row to make sure that the connection between the players and coaching staff is on the same wavelength,” explained Stander.