South Africa vs Wales: Tourists aim to defy odds at Nations Championship

The South Africa class of 2026 is the undisputed number one in world rugby.

The confidence was evident with Rasi Erasmus naming his team on Monday, making 10 changes to his starting line-up.

including South Africa Four uncapped players, One of whom, 20-year-old fly-half Vusi Moyo, is the headline act.

Sharks duo Moyo and winger Jaco Williams make their home stadium debuts alongside Montpellier lock Ruben van Heerden and Bordeaux tight-head prop Carlo Sadie, who has battled back from breaking his neck in January 2025.

Moyo, who has become South Africa’s youngest fly-half and has played just one match for his club, can be brought in with confidence because of his experience around him.

He is flanked on either side by centers Damien de Allende and Jesse Kriel, and scrum-half Kobus Reinach.

The strength in depth is frightening, with Atzebeth, Franco Mostert, Sacha Feinberg-Mongomezulu, Andre Osterhuizen, Keanan Moody, Handre Pollard and Ox Nche unavailable due to injuries.

Lock is the main concern with Etzebeth and Mostert joined on the casualty list by Lood de Jager, RG Snyman, Jean Kleyn, Salman Moerat and Riley Norton, but the Springboks can still cope.

Flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit once again captains the side in the absence of Cia Kolisi, while the bench is packed with quality in the likes of Mane Liboc, Willems and Herschel Jantzis.

Erasmus has promised rotation and only Du Toit, flanker Paul de Villiers and Criel have started all three games for the Springboks this campaign as South Africa cruised to victory. against England And Scotland.

The policy, which relies on a deep player pool, has Erasmus’ team aiming for an 11th Test win in a row.

He is the master planner with a four-Test series against New Zealand in August and September and next year’s World Cup looming on the horizon.

Despite the gap between South Africa and Wales, the attitude towards the tourists this week was one of respect.

The home coach and players lined up for the character of their opponents and Welsh improvement under Tandy.