Nicky Smith expects Wales to “throw a punch” against the Springboks at Kings Park on Saturday, as fellow prop Ben Warren embraces the biggest challenge of his young Test career.
The Welsh are in Durban looking to bounce back from last week’s Nations Championship loss to Argentina, with Smith insisting they cannot afford another slow start against the world champions.
“I think what was most disappointing [about the Argentina defeat] was we didn’t feel like we threw a punch,” the experienced loosehead said.
“We reacted after half-time and wrestled a bit of momentum back, but by then it was probably too late. Against a side like South Africa, we’ve got to start fast.”
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Smith expects another fierce battle up front but says facing the Boks is exactly the sort of challenge every front-row forward wants.
“You want to test yourself against the best, and they’re double world champions for a reason. That’s what excites you as a front-rower.”
He believes Wales can take confidence from their own forward platform.
“Our set-piece has gone well. The scrum has been a real weapon for us, but now we face the ultimate test. That’s the exact opportunity you want as a pack.”
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Smith added that the coaching staff want the squad to embrace, rather than fear, the occasion.
“We understand the scale of the challenge, but the message has been to get excited. We want to throw our punch and see where it gets us.”
Warren, who made his Test debut against Fiji two weeks ago before scoring his first international try against Los Pumas, is relishing the opportunity.
“It’s been pretty special,” the 22-year-old Ospreys star said. “To get my first cap and then score my first try has been unbelievable.
“The speed and physicality of everything is on another level. It’s a massive jump from the URC.”
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
The post Wales put gloves up for Bok slugfest appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Nicky Smith expects Wales to “throw a punch” against the Springboks at Kings Park on Saturday, as fellow prop Ben Warren embraces the biggest challenge of his young Test career.
The post Wales put gloves up for Bok slugfest appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
