Springbok scrum coach Daan Human says the team remains unfazed by the absence of several key players ahead of Saturday’s penultimate European Tour fixture against Wales in Cardiff.
This comes as a number of players have returned to their clubs, with the match falling outside the official international window.
As a result, the Boks will be without Malcolm Marx, Thomas du Toit, Boan Venter, Lood de Jager, RG Snyman, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Grant Williams, Handré Pollard, Manie Libbok, Jesse Kriel, Cheslin Kolbe and Edwill van der Merwe.
Human, however, views this as an opportunity for fringe players to step up.
“For us, it’s nothing new. Week in and week out we play with almost a different team – we regularly make a lot of changes. Obviously, it’s always a loss not having some of your top players available. But I imagine it will be the same for Wales, with some of their players involved in the Gallagher Premiership, and I’m also not sure whether all of their Vodacom United Rugby Championship players will be available,” said Human.
The former Springbok prop added that the situation opens the door for players who featured in the previous two matches to be included in the squad again.
He also acknowledged the quality of the Welsh side, noting that they boast world-class players, including their captain.
Despite South Africa being regarded as favourites, Human dismissed the label. The Boks have won 11 of their 14 matches this year, while Wales have won eight of their 10. The last time Wales beat South Africa in Cardiff was in 2018.
“I don’t think being labelled favourites is a good thing – it doesn’t help the team. You must always respect your opposition, so we’ll prepare as well as we can for this match. When you play against them, you must do your best in your preparation,” he said.
Human added that it would be a special achievement for the Springboks to complete the tour unbeaten for the second consecutive year.
“We set certain goals at the beginning of the year, and it would be a great achievement if we can realise those. But we’re not looking beyond the next game. There’s only one match left, and that’s where our focus is,” he concluded.
