The Springboks are preparing themselves for a physical onslaught from Wales as the countdown continues to the opening Test of the Castle Lager Outgoing Tour at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
The teams last met in the Rugby World Cup semi-final in 2019, while a handful of players in the Welsh side had the honour of lining up against the Springboks in the Castle Lager Lions Series in Cape Town earlier this year, which the Boks won 2-1.
According to Springbok prop Trevor Nyakane, who will be packing down at tighthead this weekend, they Boks can expect a completely different challenge fuelled with a fresh mindset and new emotions as they look to sway their fortunes in Cardiff, where they last defeated the Welsh in 2013.
“Each time two nations play it will be personal, even if some of the players didn’t play in the Lions Series,” said Nyakane.
“Wales will bring the same energy and physicality and go just as hard at us as they always do.
“Obviously a lot of the players met each other earlier this year and there is an understanding of how each of us plays and what we bring to the party, but at Test level it doesn’t matter as both teams are playing for their countries and will give their best.
“Maybe (the Castle Lager Lions Series) is a motivation they’ll look at, but for us it is only about the green and gold jersey, representing South Africa and playing for the people at home. That is what drives us — that and the guy next to you on the field. We also play for each other.”
Nyakane said set piece dominance would be vital in the clash – areas the Springboks pride themselves in – despite Wales missing a few of their most experienced forwards, such as Alun Wyn Jones, Ross Moriarty and Taulupe Faletau, due to injury.
“Wales are missing a few players, but Springbok rugby is always about aiming for set-piece dominance and physicality,” said Nyakane.
“We’ll always try and do that, it doesn't matter who we play, and Saturday will be no exception.”
The experienced prop, however, said it would take an effective performance in all areas of the game to emerge victorious against the Six Nations champions.
“In international rugby one doesn’t get many opportunities to run the ball and score many tries,” said Nyakane.
“It’s going to be a hard forward battle and they also have physical backs, so it will come down to which team uses their opportunities the best.”