Springboks look to finish strong in Cardiff as URC readies for high-impact return

The Springboks will have one last dance against Wales as they attempt to close out their November tour unbeaten for the second consecutive season.

After delivering a statement performance against an ill-disciplined Ireland side, South Africa reaffirmed their status as the world’s top team with a dominant and tactically mature display.

Now, as they prepare for their final assignment in Cardiff, the Boks will be aiming to end their long season on a high. However, the clash comes with complications.

Because the Test falls outside World Rugby’s official international window, the world champions are unable to call on several overseas-based stars who have returned to their clubs following the Ireland match.

As a result, the coaching staff will name a heavily rotated and much-changed squad, granting opportunities to fringe players while testing the team’s depth one more time before the year closes.

In the latest episode of The Last Word on Rugby, the pundits debated whether the match is necessary, particularly given the taxing workload the Springboks endured throughout their extended Test season.

From the Rugby Championship to high-stakes clashes in Europe, South Africa’s calendar has been relentless, raising questions about player welfare and the value of an additional fixture that carries no tournament implications.

Nevertheless, the fixture offers strategic benefits.

For Wales, it is a chance to measure themselves against the reigning world champions and rebuild confidence after a challenging year. For the Springboks, it presents an opportunity to experiment with combinations, expose younger players to pressure, and reinforce the team’s culture of resilience.

The United Rugby Championship returns as the Stormers and Sharks look to make inroads in Ireland, facing Munster and Connacht, respectively. In Pretoria, the Jukskei derby between the Bulls and Lions highlights the local games.

For the Lions, there is an opportunity to take down the Bulls, who are without a handful of senior players still on national duty.