INTERNATIONAL RUGBY TEST: South Africans Face Wales

13.11.2010
South Africa v Wales in Cardiff

Venue: Millennium Stadium

Referee: Steve Walsh (Australia)

Preview
South Africa bounced back from being underdog last weekend to win against Ireland. They will need to be even more alert this weekend as Wales looks to be a strong side. The team has a number of players left behind because of injury. Included is captain John Smit. Is this effecting the combinations of this side. Victor Matfiel, it must be said, is doing a good job as captain.

Victor Matfield. Stand in captain for South Africa

Wales will be looking for a victory against the Springbox on Saturday. The side looks stronger that that which rather limply lost to Australia last weekend. Hook in midfield means Byrne returns to the fullback position. Look out also for veteran Martyn Williams turning out on the side of the scrum. This Welsh side doesn't need much to click and when they do they will take a big effort to defeat.

Last Five Encounters
05.06.2010 South Africa 34-31 in Cardiff
08.11.2008 South Africa 20-15 in Cardiff
14.06.2008 South Africa 37-21 in Pretoria
07.06.2008 South Africa 43-17 in Bloemfontein
24.11.2007 South Africa 34-12 in Cardiff

Wales last defeated South Africa in 1999, winning 29-19 in Cardiff.

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-South Africa 3rd, Wales 9th

IRB Rankings
South Africa 86.21 (3rd), Wales 78.17 (9th)

Prediction: It's time for an upset. Wales by 5 points.

Teams

Wales
15 Lee Byrne, 14 George North, 13 Tom Shanklin, 12 James Hook, 11 Shane Williams, 10 Stephen Jones, 9 Mike Phillips, 8 Jonathan Thomas, 7 Martyn Williams, 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Bradley Davies, 4 Alun-Wyn Jones, 3 Adam Jones, 2 Matthew Rees,Capt. 1 Gethin Jenkins.
Replacements
16 Huw Bennett, 17 Paul James, 18 Ryan Jones, 19 Andy Powell, 20 Richie Rees, 21 Andrew Bishop, 22 Chris Czekaj.
Head Coach: Warren Gatland

South Africa
15 Gio Aplon, 14 Bjorn Basson, 13 Frans Steyn, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Morne Steyn, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Juan Smith, 6 Deon Stegmann, 5 Victor Matfield,Capt. 4 Bakkies Botha, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Tendai Mtawarira,
Replacements
16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 CJ van der Linde, 18 Flip van der Merwe, 19 Willem Alberts, 20 Francois Hougaard, 21 Zane Kirchner, 22 Patrick Lambie.
Head Coach: Pieter de Villiers