No ‘stars’, no problem: Human backs depth

IT’S undoubtedly a blow to be without several frontline stars for this weekend's final Test of the 2025 season, but the Springboks have grown used to constant team changes over the past year - and they should still approach Saturday’s clash against Wales with minimal disruption.

- LEIGHTON KOOPMAN

The match in Cardiff falls outside World Rugby’s international window, leaving both sides without key players. Even so, the world champions are expected to have too much depth and quality for their hosts at the Principality Stadium.

South Africa will be missing World Rugby Men's 15s Player of the Year Malcolm Marx, Boan Venter, Thomas du Toit, Lood de Jager (suspended), RG Snyman, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Grant Williams, Handré Pollard, Manie Libbok, Jesse Kriel, Cheslin Kolbe and Edwill van der Merwe, all of whom have returned to their provincial unions or clubs.

Despite the Boks being widely viewed as favourites, scrum coach Daan Human insists they are not entertaining that label. South Africa boasts a strong record against Wales, even in Cardiff, and their last defeat at the Principality Stadium came in 2018 - Rassie Erasmus'’s first year back at the helm.