Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus expects a challenging clash against Wales despite the hosts going into the match on a disappointing run of 11 defeats in a row, and said his charges had to be ready mentally and physically to face a team determined to show that they can turn things around.
“Wales are a proud nation with a world-renowned coach in Warren Gatland, and they’ll do everything to finish their campaign on a high note,” said Erasmus.
“We’ve experienced first-hand how a run of defeats can galvanise a team, and the fact that they’ll be playing at home with a passionate crowd behind them will inspire them even more – just as our supporters inspire us when we play at home.
“Obviously we’d love to finish the tour unbeaten, but we are well aware of the fact that we’ve have a few close results against them over the years at the Principality Stadium.”
Erasmus said there were plenty of examples of teams reversing their fortunes from the status of underdogs.
“A lot can change in rugby with a change in confidence and mindset, and Australia is a perfect example of how things can change in the sport if one considers how well they are playing now compared to last year,” said Erasmus.
“So, we’ll show Wales the same respect we showed England and Scotland, and we know we know we have to be at our best to come out with the result we want.
“They are a team with everything to gain and nothing to lose, so it would be careless of us to think that we just need to pitch up and the result will go in our favour. In fact, a little over a year ago, they played in the Rugby World Cup quarter-final, which is a testament to the force they can be.”
“This is our last match of the season, and we are determined to finish the year on a positive note,” said Erasmus.
“We selected a squad that shows a good mix of experience and youth, which is crucial as we look to maintain some consistency in selection, while at the same time giving guys like Jordan and Cameron, who have been exceptional at training on tour, a chance to show us what they can do.
“Jordan played against Wales in June, and we are very excited to see how he dictates play with Jaden alongside him, and we are also delighted that Cameron is getting a chance to play after showing his class at training throughout the tour and for the Vodacom Bulls in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship.
“Cameron also offers us a few options at loose forward as he can play No 6, No 7 and No 8, and that will be valuable with two locks on the bench.”
Hanekom was drafted into the squad before the team’s departure for their pre-tour training camp in Jersey following the withdrawal of utility back Damian Willemse, and should he take the field, he will become the 52nd player to feature for the team this season, with Kleyn being #51.
Erasmus opted for six forwards and two backs on the bench, with the same replacement front row of Malcolm Marx (hooker), Gerhard Steenekamp, and Vincent Koch (both props), while Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman, who started in the engine room on Saturday, are rotated to the bench.
The two backline players among the replacements are the double Rugby World Cup-winning duo of Cobus Reinach (scrumhalf) and Handre Pollard (flyhalf).
Erasmus, whose squad includes 17 RWC winners, was also delighted to have Kleyn back in the mix and said: “Jean is an experienced player who has played in two World Cup tournaments, one for the Springboks and one for Ireland, and he has been in good form for Munster, so it’s good to have him back in the team alongside Franco who he knows very well.
“Both of them only recently returned from injury and will play pivotal roles in the lineouts and set pieces, and we have no doubt Eben and RG will make a big impact off the bench with their high work rate and physicality around the park.”