Wales scalp not guaranteed for Boks
SPOTLIGHT: Springbok centre Jesse Kriel dismissed any notion that their final tour match against a struggling Wales outfit will be a walk in the park.
The Boks are on course to go unbeaten on their end-of-year tour for a second consecutive season.
They’ve beaten Japan, France, Italy and Ireland and will make it five wins from as many attempts if they topple Wales this weekend.
Injuries and suspensions have marred their November 2025 tour.
Bok head coach Rassie Erasmus lost Jan Hendrik Wessels ahead of the tour after an incident in a United Rugby Championship clash for the Bulls against Connacht, where the utility forward received a nine-week ban, which was subsequently downgraded to eight weeks, ruling him out of the Boks’ trip.
Prop Ox Nche suffered an injury against Japan in their opening tour match, and lock Lood de Jager got suspended for four weeks following his red card for an illegal tackle on France fullback Tomas Ramos.
Utility forward Franco Mostert was up for selection for the match against Ireland, but due to his hearing taking place late this past Tuesday for his red card against Italy, which was subsequently downgraded to yellow, Erasmus opted not to select him, as it made preparation difficult.
The Boks and Wales will be without several players for the upcoming Test at the Principality Stadium, as the match falls outside the international window.
Despite Wales’ struggles, who are coming off a 26-52 loss to New Zealand, Kriel isn’t taking them lightly and said there’s a job that needs to be done to reach the Boks’ goal of going unbeaten on tour.
“That was the goal coming into this tour, to make it five wins from five games.
“This week will be a massive Test match [against Wales].
“We had some tough games throughout this [Nations] Series, and this week will be no different.
“There’s still a job to do, and I’m excited for this week to see if the guys can get the job done.”
Kriel also commented on teammate Malcolm Marx, who won the World Rugby Player of the Year award moments after the final whistle against Ireland.
The 31-year-old had heaps of praise for the dynamic hooker, crediting his humble nature and what he means to the national side.
“You could see the reaction [from the Bok changeroom] when he won the award.
“He’s probably one of the most humble people I’ve ever played with.
“He’s extremely hard working, very talented, very humble and a great team man.
“And he always puts the team first.
“I’m so happy for him winning the award. He deserves it.
“He had an unbelievable year, and for the last eight years, he’s been incredible for this team.
“I’m really happy for him, and I’m glad that he got his flowers.”
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