Wales plan to change tack for a likely dogfight in the skies against the Springboks when the two sides clash in the upcoming Test series.
The Welsh have never beaten the world champion Boks in South Africa in 10 previous attempts, and they will go into the three-Test tour as rank outsiders having endured a tough Six Nations campaign which ended in a disappointing defeat by Italy.
The first Test in the Republic between the Boks and Wales kicks off in Pretoria on Saturday.
Speaking to media in the buildup to the clash at Loftus Versfeld, Wales assistant coach Stephen Jones said: “I think there’s going to be a big aerial battle. We know that’s coming.
“They’re very physical at the breakdown. We have to be incredibly smart in the way we play the game and have a balance and play in the right areas of the park.
“We can’t be one-dimensional in what we do. We have to have variety and options and that’s what we’re training to do.”
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Jones also added that players such as Alun Wyn Jones, Wyn Jones, Josh Adams and Dan Biggar have brought their 2021 British & Irish Lions tour experience into the Wales camp.
“They were part of a very intense, physical Test series,” Jones said. “We’ve got three games to look forward to, so a lot of our boys experienced that last summer here, so we’ll be expecting the same.
“The big difference to them is the more open environment. Touring is a wonderful opportunity to see places.
“You grow the mind, enjoy the experience and the welcome you have and they’re certainly having that in this tour.”
However, Jones said Wales would not rely on former head coach Warren Gatland’s gameplan that the Kiwi employed with the Lions in SA.
“We’ve got our own style of play and gameplan. South Africa has a very good defensive system but you have to have variety in what you do.”
