Springboks never used to have respect for us... four defeats has changed that
WALES’ win over France was, on paper, one of the greatest we’ve had in our history.
But, strangely, it was not the best performance. France were superb and controlled most of the match.
Wales’ attack was a little disappointing and they struggled to create many chances.
Against Australia we looked really slick and even looking back to that Georgia game, the players cut them to pieces. Some of the moves on show there were exceptional, but we didn’t really see them against France, who had the momentum and were winning the collisions.
Having said all that, Wales showed unbelievable character and desire to come through it and that speaks volumes about this current group.
They’re just the third Wales side to make the semi-finals of a World Cup. But you won’t have the stupidity of the French this week. Sebastien Vahaamahina opened the door with his red card and Wales barged through it.
South Africa will be far more disciplined and streetwise. Wales need to introduce a bit more variation and maybe look at some different kicking options. More energy will be required.
There are a few key men in particular who will be crucial to Wales’ hopes of success at Yokohama Stadium on Sunday.
Wales have got to be on the money tactically and make sure they play in the right areas. Dan’s kicking game will be central to that.
I’ve also got to mention Gareth Davies. He’s been a real spark in this side throughout the tournament. People often pick up on tries and breaks with Gareth, but against France he was brilliant defensively and worked his socks off when the opposition had the ball.
That might have been why he was brought off a little early because the coaches had noticed how hard he had worked.
Those two hold the key. So much has come from them during this campaign.
I’d also love to see George North getting involved a bit more as well.
Dan Biggar is going to be vital. He has to continue to pick the right options and should vary his game to keep the Springboks guessing.
He can be a really important figure for this side. He’s so strong, powerful and quick – he can win you the gainline and get you momentum, which was lacking against Les Bleus.
So much has also been dependent on the fitness of Jonathan Davies. Wales have got to stop the ball getting into the wide areas because the Springboks have got some real danger there.
Jonathan is brilliant at defending that 13 channel and preventing the ball getting into open spaces. He shoots out of the line, gets in the eyeline of the man with the ball and forces them back inside, where Wales should be strong.
As I write, Wales are yet to name a team and we’re yet to know if Foxy is fit for the semi-final.
I just hope he is fit enough to be involved and do himself justice. Nobody other than Jonathan will have known just how he is feeling.
A regret of mine is that I played in that 2013 Lions Test series. I was playing on one leg. My knee was blown. When you’re in that situation, your mind is on the wrong things and you’re just not yourself when you carry an injury like the one I had going into a game.
I was desperate to play because I knew we were going to win and there was no chance that I wasn’t going to be a part of it.
But I was playing with an injury and I shouldn’t have done that. I wasn’t half the player that I knew I could be.
These players today are different, though. If they’re not good to go, they’ll put their hand up and say so.
The majority of them, especially at this stage of a tournament, will be carrying niggles.
Jonathan’s such an important player, a key figure in the dressing room, good leader and a good talker.
However, one man Wales won’t have to worry about is Cheslin Kolbe, who is out due to an ankle injury. That’s a significant boost for Warren Gatland’s men because I picked him as a player to watch in this tournament and he’s been so dangerous.
Kolbe is the kind of player you have to consider doubling up on but he won’t be a concern of Shaun Edwards’ now. That’s a huge blow for the