| Tweet |
|
South Africa v Wales
Author: Pete South 10/09/2011
2011 Rugby World Cup
Sunday, 11 September 2011
South Africa v Wales, PlD, 09:30
After almost two years of inconsistencies, Wales will now have the opportunity put their recent past to rest; starting with the banishment of their World Cup nightmares of four years ago.
Wales succumbed at the first hurdle in France in 2007. The scars run deep from that troubled campaign -even if the year that followed brought with a cathartic Grand Slam success – but in the form of a game against the team that excelled so brilliantly in the same tournament, they have a shot at redemption.
The fact that they find the South Africans at perhaps their lowest ebb in some time only serves to sweeten the deal, while the length of the Welsh injury list adds a further layer of intrigue to this match up.
Wales head coach Warren Gatland had his hands bound in many ways as he announced his starting XV; injury has in many ways ravaged his squad to the bone, most of all in his forward line.
Captain Matthew Rees has already fallen by the wayside while the undoubted world class talent of Gethin Jenkins remains unutilised on the sidelines as the front row specialist continues his recuperation from a debilitating calf injury.
Gavin Henson lasted but a handful of minutes against England in Cardiff while Lee Byrne and Adam Jones are still only in the infancy of their pursuit for match fitness as they make their way back from injury.
The game will be, as with many games of rugby, won or lost at the breakdown. The fearsome reputation the Springboks have garnered over the years was dented somewhat as Juan Smith admitted defeat in his race to be fit in time. Heinrich Brussow will now take up the mantle of disruptor in chief as they attempt to jam the gears of the Welsh attacking unit.
Wales have their own mischief makers in the back row who can do a similar job, not least of all newly installed captain Sam Warburton, who will become the youngest ever player to lead out Wales at a World Cup.
Warburton’s stock has grown rapidly since he over from the injured Rees as skipper and will be charged with the not insignificant task of taking the Springboks at their own game. This could be a brutal affair.
Oxymoronically, both the teams have the weight of the world on their shoulders while also having little expected of them, such has been their recent form.
Expectation will always be there for South Africa, something head coach Peter De Villiers will know all too much about, but given their insipid performance in the Tri Nations, in the supporters heart of hearts, a repeat of four years surely can’t be demanded.
The win against New Zealand was a curve ball, that made their doubters sit up and take notice, and the true South Africa will only reveal itself come Sunday. Which side turns up is anyone’s guess.
Wales conversely, have a chance to raise to bar of belief back home with a performance that will make them believe, even though such feelings lay dormant in the rugby mad nation. They just need a catalyst to make it erupt.
Match Prediction: Wales on the Handicap + 13 @ 1/1 with bet365
Bet365 World Cup Rugby Odds