Wales named their team to take on the Springboks this weekend; here is everything you need to know
The main talking points after Wales named their team to face South Africa
- Massive Changes Required: Wales has been forced to make 14 significant changes to the matchday squad to face South Africa, fundamentally altering the composition of the team. This extensive turnover is a direct result of the fixture falling outside the standard international testing window.
- Reason for Player Exodus: Because the game does not fall within World Rugby’s designated international window, 13 key players were unavailable. These players were legally obligated to return to their English and French clubs for duty, depleting the national squad.
- Immediate Debut for Newcomers: The necessity of wholesale changes has led to new call-ups being instantly included in the starting line-up. Scarlets wing Ellis Mee is one who has been parachuted straight into the starting XV.
- Introducing Fresh Talent: Other fresh faces have been brought in, notably loosehead prop Danny Southworth, who is set to make his Test debut from the bench. Coach Steve Tandy praised Southworth for his mobility and ball-carrying skills, which will be valuable additions to the squad.
- Coach Sees an Opportunity: Despite the contentious circumstances, head coach Steve Tandy views the situation as a “great opportunity” for the less-experienced players. He believes facing the world champion Springboks offers crucial learning experiences for both the individuals and the team.
- Acknowledging the Controversy: Tandy acknowledged that the fixture is controversial due to its timing and the resulting lack of player continuity, but he stressed its overall utility. He believes any opportunity to represent the country and gain experience is one that the players will embrace.
- The Physical Challenge: Facing South Africa means preparing for an exceptionally physical encounter, which Tandy sees as the ultimate test of physicality. He expressed confidence that the current group possesses the necessary toughness and commitment to meet this challenge head-on.
- Empathy for the Regions: The coach showed sympathy for the Welsh regions, who are now left even more stretched by the loss of national team players. However, he also suggested that these difficult periods can sometimes lead to the regions “find[ing] a diamond” among their remaining talent.
- READ MORE: Read the team news story in full and the Q&A with Steve Tandy
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