After several exciting Tests over the past month, this year’s Autumn Nations Series will reach its conclusion at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday where Wales collide with the world champions, South Africa.
This fixture is taking place outside the international window which means that both nations were unable to select their foreign-based members of their respective squads.
With the Springboks having plenty of depth in their ranks, head coach Rassie Erasmus has still been able to announce a powerful matchday squad with a 7/1 replacements bench.
Despite being unable to field the bulk of their overseas players, the Boks did have access to some of their Japan-based stars like Damian de Allende, Jasper Wiese and Franco Mostert, who have all been included in the run-on side.
Meanwhile, it’s a similar story for Wales boss Steve Tandy as numerous of his squad members ply their trade in the Prem while Adam Beard is currently on the books of Top 14 outfit Montpellier.
Heading into this weekend’s encounter, these sides are on opposite ends of the spectrum in World Rugby’s official rankings with the Springboks sitting pretty at the top while Wales occupy 11th position.
The Boks are currently in a rich vein of form as they head into this clash after claiming impressive victories in all four their previous Autumn Nations Series Tests – against Japan, France, Italy and Ireland.
It’s a totally different situation for the home side as they started their campaign with a big loss against Argentina, before clinching a last-gasp triumph over Japan, but last weekend they suffered another huge defeat against the All Blacks.
Where the game will be won
Although Wales face a gargantuan task against the world champions, if they want to cause an upset they will have to match their opponents in the forward battle as that will determine the result. That is, of course, the case in most matches but with South Africa opting for a 7/1 forward heavy split on their replacements bench, there is no secret in how the Springboks will approach this encounter. Whoever dominates the tight exchanges and provides good, front foot ball to their backs, will be in control of proceedings and will ultimately come out on top.