Can Boks break their Cardiff drought?
It took Wales more than 90 years – from 1906 to 1999 – to register their first win over South Africa.
However, their record in the last decade has been far more profitable, winning five of the last seven encounters between the two countries.
Four of those wins were in Cardiff, with the Bok victories a 19-16 squeaker in the World Cup semifinal in Yokohama in October 2019 and an equally tight 23-19 win in the 2015 World Cup quarterfinal in London.
The Springboks’ last win in Cardiff was in November 2013.
“The Welsh are always tough to beat, more so when they are at home,” seasoned hooker Mbongeni Mbonambi said in a virtual media briefing ahead of their opening match of the year-end tour.
The Boks face three “world-class” opponents – Wales in Cardiff (November 6), Scotland in Edinburgh (November 13) and England in London (November 20) on the tour.
“I know we beat them in the World Cup [semifinal], but at home, they are a different side.
“They are a team that never goes away.
“They also have a good aerial game.”
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The seasoned hooker said South Africa have this week and next to “put their ducks in a row” to ensure they break their Cardiff drought against the reigning Six Nations champions.
He added that have been working hard on the training field to end their losing run in the Welsh capital.
“It is something we have brought up in the meetings and coach Jacques [Nienaber] has brought it up in the meetings,” Mbonambi said of their Cardiff track record.
He added that, despite some injuries, the Boks will be at near full strength.
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