Stick confident depleted Springboks have the firepower to sink Wales in Cardiff

Plenty of stars may be unavailable for the Springboks, but the world champions believe they still selected a very strong and capable team to take down Wales in the final Test of 2025 to end their November tour unbeaten for the second consecutive season.

Looking at the side that will run out in Cardiff, with only three rookies in it, it is difficult to argue against it and the Welsh and their supporters at the Principality Stadium (5.10pm kick-off) could be in for a long afternoon if things go according to plan for the Boks.

While the hand of the coaches may have been forced in making certain selections due to the unavailability of key players, this clash presents another chance for the Boks to showcase their player-depth as they close out the Test season.

According to assistant coach Mzwandile Stick, they will always look to give guys an opportunity when they rotate the team and this is one of those games.

“However, we are not taking things for granted, not at all,” he emphasised.

“If you look at the team we selected, it is a very, very strong team. Having guys like Eben (Etzebeth), Bongi (Mbonambi), and Cobus (Reinach, playing in his 50th Test), coming off the bench, they will bring an impact. Cobus has been a key player this season for us.”

Scrumhalf Morné van den Berg, loose forward Ben-Jason Dixon, replacement props Zachary Porthen and Asenathi Ntlabakanye, hooker Johan Grobbelaar, and wing Ethan Hooker are the fringe players getting another run. However, they are surrounded by World Cup winners with plenty of experience to guide them.

Reinach will be the only back on the replacement bench, but according to Stick, they have made plans in case it is needed. Kwagga Smith has been the backline cover when they selected 7-1 splits amongst the substitutes, while Dixon will act as a stopgap should the need arise.

Captain Siya Kolisi, who often pops up in the wide channels as a link with the backs, jokingly hinted that he can also play winger if needed. Stick humorously nipped that suggestion in the bud.

“I don’t think we will have challenges there. The first two players that will cover, even if anything is to happen, Cobus will be in first, and Canan (on the wing) can also play fullback. We went through those scenarios in the week.

“Hopefully, we don’t get that far into it that we need to have someone like BJ (Dixon) in as a third backline replacement. Siya will probably be the fourth option.

“Selection-wise, everything is calculated, and we will be covered.”

Stick added that the squad-building since the 2023 Rugby World Cup has been good so far. After Saturday’s encounter, the Boks will have used 49 players this season as they continue building depth for the 2027 edition in Australia.

He believes they are in a good space, looking at players like Porthen, Hooker, Van den Berg, Edwill van der Merwe, Boan Venter and others who have come through over the last couple of seasons and this year.

“To build squad depth while we are winning, as coaches, we can’t complain. I know some other people might be saying we are peaking too early before the World Cup, but for us, it’s never about that.

“We are in a good space, but Wales will be a tough game. The most important thing is to ensure we finish strong and on a high note.”