Malcolm Marx has pushed back against the notion that South Africa head into Saturday's Nations Championship clash with Wales as comfortable favourites, warning that the Welsh will bring their customary physicality to Hollywoodbets Kings Park regardless of recent head-to-head history.
"Wales are a tough side regardless of their previous results," said Marx. "They are extremely physical and well-drilled, so it's going to be a big challenge. In the past couple of years, when we've played against them, it's always been a tough battle. They don't go away, so we know it's going to take a full 80-minute performance this weekend if we want to get the result."
The match, which kicks off at 17h40, is the Boks' third and final home fixture of the Nations Championship, with Rassie Erasmus having named a heavily rotated side from the team that beat Scotland last weekend.
Among the changes, uncapped prop Carlu Sadie is set to make his Test debut alongside Marx in the front row — one of four debutants in the matchday squad. Marx, who holds the 2025 SA Rugby and World Rugby Men's Player of the Year awards, has prior experience with the Bordeaux prop, having scrummed together at the Lions in 2018 and 2019.
"He's had a great season at Bordeaux, and now he's getting his opportunity," said Marx. "I have played with him before and I know what he can do. We haven't played together in a while, so it's just about testing combinations and seeing what works best."
With the main training block completed on Wednesday, the squad has Thursday off before the captain's run on Friday. The match will be broadcast live on SuperSport.