Two-time Rugby World Cup-winning coach Rassie Erasmus faces challenge with a thin squad.
After securing victories against Japan, France, Italy, and Ireland over the past month, the Rugby World Cup Champions, South Africa, will conclude their end-of-year tour with a match against a struggling Wales at Cardiff's Principality Stadium.
As both teams gear up for this final engagement of the year, they will be significantly undermanned since the match takes place outside of World Rugby's international window.
Erasmus confirmed that only about 24 or 25 players will make the journey due to a significant withdrawal from the touring squad.
Most overseas-based players will not be available for this non-Test window match, adding to the Springboks' woes.
The primary setback arises from Japan, where nine players are required to return in order to fulfill club obligations, having received special releases for the previous Test against Japan, which similarly fell outside of the international window.
This includes Pieter-Steph du Toit, Kwagga Smith, Jasper Wiese, Malcolm Marx, Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel, Franco Mostert, Cheslin Kolbe, and Manie Libbok, who will all return to Japan, while Lood de Jager is already serving a suspension.
The Springboks will also miss several Europe-based players, such as Thomas du Toit (Bath), Boan Venter (Edinburgh), and RG Snyman (Leinster), as their clubs are under no obligation to release them.
Additionally, Kurt-Lee Arendse's concussion against Italy forced him to return home, and Erasmus has to make a decision regarding Edwill van der Merwe, who returned to South Africa for the birth of his child.
Grant Williams will also be unavailable, with Erasmus stating, “Grant (Williams) is going back to the Sharks; he must play there.”
However, the world champions will have access to local players after a compensation agreement between SA Rugby and the URC franchises for this additional fixture—set to be the team's 15th encounter of a lengthy season. According to Rapport, each franchise will receive approximately R285,000 for each Springbok selected.
“We spoke to our URC friends in South Africa, and we will train next week with only 25 players in the group,” Erasmus noted.
Wales, ranked 11th, also faces similar challenges, with 10 members of their squad that recently faced the All Blacks playing in the English Premiership or French Top 14.
Erasmus remains focused and has emphasized the importance of securing a win: “Our aim this year was to try and end in the top four,” alluding to the World Rugby rankings.
“Next year can be more experimental as December 7 is the World Cup draw, and being outside the top six might place you in a difficult pool. Our primary goal is to be in the top four for a favorable pool draw,” Erasmus elaborated.
“With Ox (Nche), Jan-Hendrik (Wessels), and Frans Malherbe not ready until next June, we have had to introduce some young talent into the squad, enhancing our ability to rotate players effectively. However, significant work remains if we aim to stay at the summit.”
Even a full-strength Wales would find it difficult to compete against the Springboks, making their situation with many first-team players absent a serious concern as the dominant Springboks strive for an undefeated tour and seek to solidify their position as World Rugby’s premier team.
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