Springboks to close out the season with a bang
Today at 07:25 AM
The Springboks will wrap up their 2024 season against Wales on Saturday and if Rassie Erasmus has his way, they’ll go out on a winning note.
The Springboks’ blockbuster 13-Test schedule for 2024 will come to a close with one last encounter against Wales at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday.
Heading into that clash, Rassie Erasmus’ Springboks boast an 83.3% win rate having won 10 of their 12 Tests so far in this calendar year.
And that win record is like to increase to 84.6% if the South Africans inflict defeat on Wales, which is likely going to happen against a beleaguered Welsh team sitting on an 11-match losing streak dating back to the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final stage.
SPRINGBOKS TO GO BIG IN CARDIFF
"This is our last match of the season, and we are determined to finish the year on a positive note," said Erasmus.
"We selected a squad that shows a good mix of experience and youth, which is crucial as we look to maintain some consistency in selection, while at the same time giving guys like Jordan Hendrikse and Cameron Hanekom, who have been exceptional at training on tour, a chance to show us what they can do.
RASSIE WARY OF WOUNDED WALES
Erasmus expected a challenging clash against Wales despite the hosts going into the match on a disappointing run of 11 defeats in a row, and said his charges had to be ready mentally and physically to face a team determined to show that they can turn things around.
"Wales are a proud nation with a world-renowned coach in Warren Gatland, and they'll do everything to finish their campaign on a high note," the Springboks chief said .
"We've experienced first-hand how a run of defeats can galvanise a team, and the fact that they'll be playing at home with a passionate crowd behind them will inspire them even more – just as our supporters inspire us when we play at home.
"Obviously we'd love to finish the tour unbeaten, but we are well aware of the fact that we've have a few close results against them over the years at the Principality Stadium."
WHICH BOK PERFORMANCE DID YOU ENJOY MOST IN 2024?
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