The Springboks are still expecting a “great challenge” from a depleted and injury-hit Wales when the two sides slug it out in the July 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 2 July, with the series continuing in Bloemfontein before finishing in Cape Town.
Bok coach Jacques Nienaber has said the Dragons will arrive in SA a “desperate” team, and Wales rival Wayne Pivac even called up a fourth uncapped player as injury concerns emerged just days before the squad boarded the plane.
Speaking at a Bok function in Pretoria, 2019 World Cup winners Malcolm Marx and Trevor Nyakane are cautiously optimistic ahead of Wales’ arrival.
“It is going to be very challenging but obviously play rugby to be the best by playing against the best. It is going to be a great challenge and I am looking forward to the next three weeks,” said Marx.
“Whether I am prepping or getting the team prepped, I want to be contributing to the best of my ability.
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“Wales has always been a tough team to play against … We can’t really pinpoint what the challenges will be [right now]. We have to do some video work next week and try and prep ourselves to the best of our abilities for the threats that they do bring.”
Nyakane added: “Wales is one of the sides from the northern hemisphere that never lets go. Some teams you can beat into a submission, but Wales are one of those that will keep coming until the whistle blows.
“We know there is going to be a lot of physicality, there is going to be a lot of experience and guys trying to impose themselves in the game. They have good captaincy as well.”
South Africans woke up to the news on Thursday morning that government had gazetted new regulations which included the dropping of limits on both indoor and outdoor gatherings, which means rugby stadiums can now sell all available tickets instead of the only 50% capacity that had been permitted.
On playing in front of potential sell-out crowds again in 2022, Nyankane said: “We really missed the fans as the Springboks … I don’t think people understand how much having a crowd means to us. We went through the British & Irish Lions without the crowds. It was still a good tour but we really missed the fans out there.
“I would like to urge everyone, if you can, come out, purchase your ticket, come and support us as you always do and I promise you, the Springboks will do what they do best.”
