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Of course anything can happen, but this would go down as one of the greatest shocks in the sport’s history if Wales – winless this year – manage to topple the Springboks.
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Warren Gatland, Wales’ beleaguered coach, used to work miracles and achieve success despite the struggles of the domestic set-up. But he’s either lost his mojo or run out of players who can make up for those shortcomings because he heads into the most difficult challenge in rugby right now on the back of 11 straight defeats. For those wondering, that makes this the worst Welsh side in the country’s history. Anything other than a crushing 12th loss would constitute an upset.
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Rassie Erasmus, South Africa’s coach, has no space for sentiment or sympathy. He’s selected a formidable side (more on that later) and will expect to close 2024 with an 11th win from 13 Tests. This would also make it a clean sweep from their European tour, their first since 2013.
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But if Wales are to go down let them at least go down with pride. Even a disappointing result can have a silver lining after all and there are thousands of loyal Welsh supporters who deserve to put this torrid year behind them with an inkling of goodwill in their hearts.
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Kick off at 5:40pm.
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Teams and further updates to come.
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main events
preamble
Daniel Gallant
If you like tight, competitive Test rugby, you've probably come to the wrong place.
Of course, we don't know what will happen, but if Wales (who are undefeated this year) can defeat the Springboks, this will go down as one of the biggest shocks in the history of the sport.
Wales' beleaguered manager Warren Gatland has previously pulled off miracles of success despite his domestic side's struggles. But either he has lost his mojo or he lacks the players who can make up for those deficiencies as he now faces rugby's toughest challenge in an 11-game losing streak. In case you were wondering, this would be Wales' worst team ever. All but the 12th inning were upsets.
South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus has no room for sentimentality or pity. He has selected a formidable team (more on that later) and hopes to finish 2024 with his 11th win in 13 Tests. This marks his first complete win on the European Tour since 2013.
But if Wales are to be eliminated, I hope they at least do so with pride. Even with a disappointing outcome, there can be a silver lining in the end, and with a little bit of goodwill in our hearts, we hope to help thousands of faithful people who deserve to put this tough year behind them. There are some great Wales supporters.
Kickoff at 5:40 p.m.
More updates to come with the team.
