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Siya Kolisi has an interesting take on Warren Gatland's Wales future

By PA
Siya Kolisi of South Africa is seen during the Autumn Nations Series 2024 match between England and South Africa at Allianz Stadium on November 16, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson - RFU/The RFU Collection via Getty Images)

South Africa’s World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi says he feels for Wales amid their long run of Test match defeats.

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But Kolisi has also backed them to get out of the situation, with under-pressure head coach Warren Gatland the person to do it.

The Springboks are widely expected to inflict a 12th successive Test loss on Wales in Saturday’s Autumn Nations Series clash, a sequence that stretches back to the 2023 World Cup.

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In contrast, South Africa arrive in Cardiff as world champions and Rugby Championship title holders.

South Africa have beaten Scotland and England during the autumn campaign and there are well over a dozen World Cup winners in their matchday 23 as they target an 11th win from 13 starts this year.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins
1
Draws
0
Wins
4
Average Points scored
17
33
First try wins
80%
Home team wins
60%

“Nobody trains to lose,” Kolisi said. “I definitely feel for them.

“I know they will get out of it. If anyone can get them out of it, it’s coach Gatland.

“I have not seen a Welsh team with so many young players. It takes time. They are playing a lot of games that will give them experience.

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“That is what we are trying to do with our group. The more games they play, the better they will get.”

South Africa, meanwhile, have been forced into a change with lock Jean Kleyn withdrawing from the starting line-up due to a minor injury and being replaced by 130 times-capped Eben Etzebeth.

Etzebeth had been due to be among the replacements, with Marco van Staden now taking over from him among South Africa’s bench cover.

Kolisi added: “We want to make sure we get a better performance. In the last few games we’ve got the win, but not a complete performance.

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“Last week (against England) we had a lot of plans, but didn’t do them. The focus is on us.

“The outside accolades and what people say about us we can’t really control. Our sole focus is on what we can do as a team.

“We should really enjoy this period, because we have been there in the past when it has not gone so well.

“I am really grateful to be part of this group. Ten of us have played together since we were 19 years old.”

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H
Hellhound 57 minutes ago
The Springboks have something you don't have

Rassie has done very well with the Boks. The well will certainly not dry up soon. The amount of young talent coming through, that don't even stand a chance of making it in before 2027, is just absolutely amazing.


However, Rassie has proven to be a rugby genius. He will never rest on his laurels. It's why he keeps evolving tactics, keeping everyone on their toes. He doesn't underestimate any team. He is very aware of just how close the top teams is.


There will be no complacency not will he relax with his main stars. He is very astute, knowing that his team is getting older and thus giving the younger players much more playtime than what any other coach would do.


By the time the 2027 WC comes around, he will be prepared to defend his title and he knows one bad day will end a triple WC crown. Competition is that close. The Boks are in transition, even though it doesn't look like it.


After the 2027 WC, most of the double (possible triple) WC champs players will become unavailable due to retirement from international rugby. Rassie is already preparing the replacements, getting caps under their belts.


The top teams is just too close to underestimate and no Bok will be allowed to get complacent. Although they are by far the current most successful team and clearly the best by miles, they are not undefeatable.


Very tough to beat yes, but they can lose on the day. I am not worried. The youngsters by 2027 WC will be experienced with lots of years ahead and that should be a warning to the rest of the pack biting at their heels. Love them or hate them, but you have to admire the Boks. They truely deserve to be top dogs currently.

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