Importance Of Slaying The Dragon

There's a worrying trend emerging between the Boks and Wales. A losing trend. For years they were the wily upstarts we'd put to rest, with a big win from time to time. Now? Those close games are going against us. We rode our luck to the finish line in 2014's Nelspuit test, where the Welsh were aggrieved with that penalty try at the death. We really ought to have lost. Likewise the World Cup encounter, it took a moment of genius to undo the Welsh. We should be on a 6 test losing streak. As it is, we are on a 3 test losing sequence, having lost 4 of the last 5. 

The Welsh are on a hot streak since their loss to Ireland; They've won 6 consecutive tests this year, which accounts for the scalps of France, Australia, South Africa, Argentina and Scotland. They've won 10 of their past 12 tests. We were dominant in Washington, but the Welsh showed greater composure to close out the game. Has this Bok side grown enough this year to stamp their authority in the Millennium Stadium? In light of the tour thus far, most teams will have felt more positive about tier chances against the Boks were they to play again. We need to end on a high and show what we are truly capable of. We can't go into a WC year with the NH sides having an edge. Not for a team which relies so much on emotion. 

Once again it comes down to the pack. We have the power to compete with anyone, and what is fast becoming the best second row in world rugby. With Snyman and Mostert we have a dynamic pair of locks and grunt in the loose trio, enough up front to often carry our quota captain. What about the backs? Our halfbacks were dominant against Scotland. I was pleasantly surprised by Papier and look forward to another accurate showing. What of the centres? Our back three have been worrying subdued. Willie hasn't been brought into the game as I'd have expected and used poorly. If we are going to lose, one would imagine it will come down to our backs. We seemed to struggle and strain to accumulate points when our forwards and grinding our opponents to dust. This is unacceptable. 

I backed the Boks against Scotland, and I'll back them to win a close one in Cardiff. Boks 22; Wales 19.

Last 5 Tests 

1. Wales (22) vs South Africa (20) - Washington DC
2. Wales (24) vs South Africa (22) - Cardiff
3. Wales (27) vs South Africa (13) - Cardiff
4. Wales (19) vs South Africa (23) - Twickenham
5. Wales (12) vs South Africa (06) - Cardiff

You got my score - the Welsh by 9 points.

Herr der Drachen will be proud Maaik.

The Welsh have produced some if not the best rugby players of all time...Gareth Edwards, Phil Bennett, JPR Williams and JJ Williams to mention a few...such a small geographic region that continues to produce high standards in rugby...they are capable as they stand now to surprise any team if they can hit form...they are tough men and gladiators in battle.

You're right Herr Booben, they have a rich rugby heritage. Of all the home nations, I find their history the most interesting. They usually give us a very tough game. Even many of those seemingly blow out victories were won with a flurry of late tries. So many of our past encounters could have gone either way, and I expect, on Welsh soil, for this game to be very hard. I know that if I were them, I'd be looking at this Bok side as beatable. Tough, but beatable.