Wales may be depleted and the World Champion Springboks may be missing a dozen or so players, but that hasn’t stopped both sides from talking each other up this week.
The Springboks are looking to end their tour on a perfect note, but will be without a host of overseas-based players and a few locals as well as the game falls outside of the international test window.
Wales too are without up to 10 stars, and while some have made this out to be a one-sided contest, the lessons of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship means the Bok players won’t be caught off-guard.
The World Champions are looking for their 12th win in 14 games this year and a victory will give them a perfect tour record of five out of five.
Scrumhalf Morne van den Berg fronted the media and said the Boks were not going to take Wales lightly as their URC experiences have shown how tough the Welsh can be and while they may be heavy underdogs going into this game, the Boks know they will fight for every scrap on the field.
“They’re tough, competitive, not afraid of anything,” Van den Berg told the media in attendance.
“They chase lost causes and fight for each other. Even if the team hasn’t played much together, those boys will be ready.
“They’re in a transition phase. It’s just a matter of time before they get back on the horse and compete for big trophies again.”
“They’ve got good players – Dan Edwards is playing quality rugby, I’ve played a lot against Kieran Hardy and Rio Dyer is very exciting. We’re not taking the test lightly. We’re preparing as hard as we can and will give it our full effort.”
Van den Berg will get his sixth game of the international season for the Springboks and is looking to take another step forward in a team environment that is currently thriving.
“We’re in the process of building our game. Each week has its own theme and its own work-ons. The environment is great, the atmosphere is good, but it’s all about getting better every week.
“I’d like to contribute – that’s my biggest thing. Everyone has contributed this year, and I really want to add to that.”
The #Springboks know what Wales are capable of and will not take Saturday's test in Cardiff lightly - more here: https://t.co/JV924ZsImp 🫡#ForeverGreenForeverGold pic.twitter.com/YXYEVfbCEZ
— Springboks (@Springboks) November 25, 2025
Van den Berg was also full of praise for his six teammates who were selected as part of World Rugby’s Team of the year. Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx, Thomas du Toit, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Cheslin Kolbe were all honoured as part of the team of the year.
“It’s a privilege to see how they train and carry themselves. But more importantly, they’re incredible people. They deserve everything that comes their way – and there’s so much more to come from them.”
The Boks will name their side on Thursday.