Springbok hooker Johan Grobbelaar said that the Springboks are "100% in" for their final Test of 2025 against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday at 17:10 (SA Time), insisting there will be no drop in motivation.
"There have been a few good games over the last few weeks, and actually some big away games that we’ve won."
"The team’s done really well, and now it’s the last one for us against Wales. I don’t think there’ll be any lack of motivation from the guys, I think we’ll handle it with the same intensity as other Test weeks."
"Maybe there’ll be some new combinations, some new guys getting opportunities, but I think everyone’s going to be 100% in."
Despite Wales missing key players and the Boks being considered favourites, Grobbelaar warned that Wales is a proud nation with strong character. He noted that Welsh teams will not "go away" and will be a challenge for the full 80 minutes.
"Over the last few years, we’ve gotten to know some of the Welsh players through the URC, so there’ll be some familiar faces. On paper, we’re maybe the favourites, but knowing the Welsh after playing them in the URC, they’re a proud nation that won’t go away, and it’ll be a full-on battle for 80 minutes."
"They have some great rugby players. As we saw against the All Blacks, they can score some beautiful tries, they’ve got a good skill set at the back, and they’re always a threat under the high ball."
Grobbelaar said the positive mood in the Springbok camp comes from a collective ambition to finish the year with a win, not complacency.
Grobbelaar highlighted the squad's improved cohesion throughout the November tour, noting that constant training and mixing of players have helped them prepare.
"I think what has helped us is training together these last few weeks,” he said. “We’ve been mixing players, so we really got to know each other, even the younger guys with whom I haven’t played a lot. So this weekend, with some new combinations. I’m sure we’ll be ready for the battle."
The match marks a personal milestone for Grobbelaar, who has fought his way back into the national team setup after being out of the mix earlier in the year. He called it a great opportunity to put on the green jersey.
"For the early part of the year, I was out of the Springbok mix and then coming back in now, getting opportunities to fight in the four or five games I’ve played. It’s great putting on the green jersey and getting the opportunity to be on the field."