Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has delivered a robust defence of Saturday’s controversial Test match against Wales, insisting the fixture outside World Rugby’s regulated international window is “good for both teams” despite widespread criticism.
The match at the Principality Stadium has been heavily debated in the build-up, with Wales missing 13 England- and France-based players who were not released by their clubs and South Africa also fielding a second-string side.
Many in Welsh rugby have questioned the value of the fixture, but double World Cup-winning skipper Kolisi rejected the negativity in forthright fashion.
“I know a lot of people in the Welsh public are saying ‘why are they playing this game against the Springboks?’, but I don’t like it when people question this,” Kolisi said.
“Who are they supposed to play to improve themselves? People look at this stuff so negatively. You only improve by playing against the top teams – that’s how you measure yourself.
“Rugby people know this is only going to make Wales better, no matter what the result is for them or for us.”
Kolisi pointed to the long-term benefits for Welsh squad depth, arguing that the absence of frontline stars presents a valuable opportunity for emerging talent.
“I know the first-choice players are not there, but to create squad depth you have to play against the best teams,” he continued.
“This is good when the other guys are not available. At least these guys playing now will have tasted this and had that experience. The game is good for both teams this weekend and the Welsh Rugby Union can get good answers on their players.”
The Springboks arrived in Cardiff on the back of a 29-20 victory over Scotland at Murrayfield last weekend, while Wales are looking to arrest a run of 11 consecutive Test defeats stretching back to the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Kick-off is at 17:40 local time (19:40 SA time) on Saturday.