Springboks' Morne van den Berg warns depleted Wales will 'chase the lost causes' in Cardiff

Springbok scrumhalf Morne van den Berg says South Africa cannot afford to underestimate Wales in Saturday’s Test at the Principality Stadium, warning that a patched-together Welsh side will still bring the trademark fight, physicality and defiance that South African teams have come to expect in the north.

Wales enter the Test under severe selection strain, missing 13 players who have returned to their franchises in England and France. But despite the gulf in depth, experience and recent form, the diminutive No 9 insists the Springboks’ standards – not Wales’ weaknesses – must drive their performance.

“We’re in the process of building our game and each week has its own theme and own work-on, so the environment is great, the atmosphere is good, but it’s all about building the game and getting better each week,” he said.

Van den Berg has played enough URC rugby to know exactly what awaits in Cardiff, regardless of which names appear on Steve Tandy’s team sheet. For him, the reputation of Welsh players speaks louder than their current selection challenges.

“They’re such tough men, competitive, not afraid of anything, willing to fight, to chase lost causes. The experience in the URC has really been of guys that are willing to fight for each other. I think that they are going to put up a massive fight and play for each other this weekend,” he said.

The Springboks are expected to dominate physically and tactically, but van den Berg maintains that the circumstances could embolden Wales, not weaken them.

“I think no matter what team they put up, those boys are going to be ready.”

Wales have been on a downward trajectory since the last Rugby World Cup, but van den Berg believes their current dip is temporary – and dangerous if underestimated.

“They’re obviously in a transition phase. But I think it’s a matter of time before they get back on that horse and start competing again for big trophies.”

Despite the broader squad depletion, Wales still boast players who can cause serious problems if given space or momentum. Van den Berg pinpointed the form of several individuals whom he has encountered regularly in URC competition.

“They’ve got a lot of good players. Dan Edwards is playing some good rugby, Kieran Hardy is a quality player, while Blair Murray is exciting. So we know what to expect from those individuals, and we’re not taking the Test lightly. We’re prepping as hard as we can and we are going to give it a full effort. We’re going to go for it!”

His words echo a long-held Springbok principle: that they respect every opponent, regardless of rankings or circumstance. A weakened side, he suggests, can still produce heroic resistance – especially at home.

Six Springboks were named in the World Rugby Dream Team this week – Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Thomas du Toit, Cheslin Kolbe and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu – recognition that van den Berg says inspires humility and hunger rather than complacency.

“They are amazing rugby players and it’s a massive privilege to see, day in and day out, how they train, how they carry themselves on the field. But I must say it’s been a massive privilege to get to know them off the field, to get to know the amazing people they are … Massive congratulations.”

He believes the honours reflect the depth and competitive standards that ensure South Africa approach every Test with full intensity.

“The exciting part is there’s so much more to come from them … I think there’s a lot of boys that just missed out so it will be exciting to see how their journey is going to go over the next few years as well.”