With the Nations Championship in hiatus until the autumn, Welsh rugby fans will get a first-hand glimpse on what is coming their way in November, when juggernauts South Africa and New Zealand kick off the highly anticipated Greatest Rivalry series in Ellis Park, Johannesburg tomorrow afternoon.
Steve Tandy’s Wales side host the All Blacks at Principality Stadium on Saturday 14 November in round five of the Nations Series, a week after playing Japan and a week before taking on Australia in the Cardiff capital.
Opposing coaches Rassie Erasmus and Dave Rennie both boxed clever at their official team announcements, saying it wasn’t the end of the world if their respective sides lost the opening game in the hyped four-match series.
However, only once has either team taken a series after losing the first test – and that was nearly a century ago in 1937 when the Springboks overcame New Zealand by dismantling the All Blacks scrum.
Erasmus had selected a squad with a mix of players who took on Argentina along with a host of players who remained behind in South Africa.
With persistent hamstring injuries Erasmus has left out inspirational captain Siya Kolisi but has included centre Damian de Allende who will become the 10th player in history to earn 100 Test caps for South Africa.
“How we start is important. You win the first match you have a better chance of winning (the series), because win another one and you can’t lose it,” said Erasmus.
Rennie has brought back in captain Ardie Savea, halfback Cam Roigard and outside back Will Jordan as the trio make their first appearance of the tour while Damian McKenzie has also returned from injury to start at fullback.
“The first three franchise games have exposed our newer players to the way South African teams play and have been fantastic in helping us build combinations and develop the game we want to play,” said Rennie.
“We’re well aware of what the Springboks will bring to the contest and the pressure that will come to bear. They are number one in the world, playing at their spiritual home in front of their passionate fans, so we will have to be at our very best on Saturday.”
South Africa have won the last two Rugby World Cups, New Zealand the two before that. Between them, they have won seven of the 10 global tournaments.
South Africa have also won the last two editions of the Rugby Championship, New Zealand nine of the 11 earlier editions.
The Springboks and the All Blacks are currently ranked first and second in the men’s world rankings and have combined to win seven of the 10 Rugby World Cups contested since the tournament began in 1987.
Tickets for all autumn Nations Championship games are on sale now from only £13.50 U18s and £26 Adults via WRU.WALES/TICKETS Don’t miss out!