Away from the spotlight, Wales continue to flourish
It’s stretching a point to say Wales fans haven’t had it so good in the professional era but if they beat South Africa in Cardiff on Saturday they will begin World Cup year in the rudest possible health.
Eight wins in succession, the possibility of a first-ever unbeaten autumn and the shedding of their Wallaby jinx are all reasons to be cheerful for Warren Gatland and his increasingly impressive squad.
Last weekend’s rout of Tonga showed once again the depth on offer to Gatland, who must take enormous credit for the way he has interchanged his squad over the past 18 months, while defeating Australia the week before ended a 13-match losing streak against the Wallabies.
With Michael Cheika’s men in apparent freefall, Wales know their World Cup pool offers them a clear route to the knockout stages and victory over South Africa at the Principality Stadium on Saturday will cement the notion Gatland’s team is now one to be seriously reckoned with on the world stage.
While Ireland have received the plaudits this autumn following their historic win over New Zealand, Wales have gone about their business under the radar – as Gatland likes it – but are now ranked third in the world with a playing pool the envy of many nations.
A combination of National Dual Contracts and a close working relationship between the WRU and its regions appears to be paying dividends. These are heady days indeed in Wales and their fans.
Saturday’s fourth Under Armour Test feels like the natural climax as Rassie Erasmus’s men will provide Wales with their toughest challenge of the autumn.
With Leigh Halfpenny still suffering the effects of concussion caused by Semu Kerevi’s reckless shoulder charge two weeks ago, which somehow went unpunished, Gatland has opted for a back three full of pace, power and attacking intent.
British and Irish Lions star Liam Williams starts at full-back in Halfpenny’s absence with George North and Josh Adams on the wings in a backline once again led by Gareth Anscombe, who has seen off the challenges from Dan Biggar and Rhys Patchell to start at fly-half.
Anscombe, an increasingly impressive force within this Welsh squad, will have goalkicking responsibilities as Wales look to make it four wins in succession against the Springboks.
Twelve months ago, South Africa produced one of the worst 40 minutes of rugby ever played by a Springbok team when they were trounced in the Welsh capital but have been reborn on Erasmus’s watch and will provide an altogether sterner test this year.
Erasmus has named the same starting line-up that beat Scotland last Saturday with lock Eben Etzebeth having to settle for a place on the bench after recovering from injury while inspirational captain Siya Kolisi is fortunate to be available after escaping a ban for headbutting Rob Horne at Murrayfield.
World Rugby, doing so much good work in a hugely trying environment as they attempt to limit concussions through lowering the tackle height, got it spectacularly wrong by judging Kolisi’s assault on Horne was in some way justified by the Scotland centre illegally holding him on the ground.
The judgement that head contact between the pair was only “moderate”, and therefore not worthy of a red card, sends out a desperately confusing message while the suggestion being held on the ground justifies violent retaliation sets a very dangerous precedent. Are we to return to the bad old days when players dish out “justice” on the field themselves for every perceived slight? It was completely the wrong call.
Regardless, Kolisi plays in Cardiff and will be a central figure in South Africa’s back row alongside the hulking presences of Duane Vermeulen and Pieter-Steph du Toit. The Springbok back row has a significant weight advantage over Welsh trio Justin Tipuric, Ross Moriarty and Dan Lydiate, who will be hoping their breakdown work can outwit their bulkier opponents.
In Ellis Jenkins, Wales have an outstanding alternative option on the bench, which also has experienced figures Biggar and Rob Evans to provide steady hands late in the game.
A fascinating match-up between two sides on the up. Wales are favourites, just. Win it and next year really will be one to look forward to for Gatland, his team and their passionate supporters. Wales: L Williams (Saracens); G North (Ospreys), J Davies (Scarlets), H Parkes (Scarlets), J Adams (Worcester); G Anscombe (Cardiff Blues), G Davies (Scarlets); N Smith (Ospreys), K Owens (Scarlets), T Francis (Exeter), A Beard (Ospreys), A W Jones (Ospreys, capt), D Lydiate (Ospreys), J Tipuric (Ospreys), R Moriarty (Dragons).
Replacements: E Dee (Dragons), R Evans (Scarlets), D Lewis (Cardiff Blues), C Hill (Dragons), E Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), T Williams (Cardiff Blues), D Biggar (Northampton), O Watkin (Ospreys).
South Africa: W Le Roux; S Nkosi, J Kriel, D De Allende, A Dyantyi; H Pollard, E Papier; S Kitshoff, M Marx, F Malherbe, RG Snyman, F Mostert, S Kolisi (capt), P-S Du Toit, D Vermeulen.
Replacements: B Mbonambi, T Du Toit, V Koch, E Etzebeth, F Louw, I Van Zyl, E Jantjies, C Kolbe.
Referee: Luke Pearce (England).