If the Springboks aren’t favourites against Wales, what are they?
South Africa's scrum coach Daan Human watches as players warm up ahead of the international rugby union Test match between South Africa and Italy at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria on July 5, 2025. Picture: Phill Magakoe/AFP
Image: Phill Magakoe/AFP
Though the Springboks will be missing a host of players for their Test match against Wales on Saturday, it’s something of a stretch for Bok staff to insist they are not favourites for the clash at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
Yet, Springbok scrum coach Daan Human has said he doesn’t believe in the favourites tag.
The Springboks will be without the services of World Rugby Men’s Player of the Year Malcolm Marx, Thomas du Toit, Boan Venter, Lood de Jager (who is still serving a suspension for a dangerous tackle), RG Snyman, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Grant Williams, Handre Pollard, Manie Libbok, Jesse Kriel, Cheslin Kolbe, and Edwill van der Merwe, for the match against the 11th-ranked Wales.
The Springboks already fielded something more of a fringe squad against Italy earlier on their November tour, and managed to grind out an impressive victory with 14 men for 68 minutes of the encounter.
Human’s Respectful Approach Despite Springboks’ Dominant Season
“I don’t believe in favourites tags. It doesn’t help a team. You must have respect for the opposition, so we’ll do our best to prepare as well as we can for this match,” said Human.
It’s difficult to believe such an insistence when the Springboks have won 11 of their 13 Tests this season, including a victory over Ireland in Dublin last week, which was their first in the Irish capital since 2012.
Human, though, preached respect for his Welsh opposition.
“Wales have quality players, especially their starting front row, and in general, they have guys who can really perform and some with a lot of experience, which is quite similar to our team.”