A GIGANTIC old South African foe is warning Wales that the Springboks will show no mercy during next month's demanding Test series.
Kobus Wiese, the Rainbow Nation's towering 20-stone enforcer when they won the first extratime World Cup final against New Zealand, also reveals how the late Phil Bennett inspired him to start playing rugby as an eight-year-old boy in his native Paarl.
Now 58, Wiese showed his gratitude by knocking Wales second row Derwyn Jones out at Ellis Park during the first international of the professional era, in September 1995 – an incident which cost the hitman a £5,000 fine.
Wales, still fretting over fitness doubts, fly out this week unburdened by any expectation of winning in South Africa for the first time. The Boks' 43-man squad is reinforced by 18 employed in England, France, Ireland and Japan.
The eight uncapped players include the sensational Stormers' No.8, Evan Roos. “It's always tough coming here and, without being the least bit arrogant, there are several reasons why these matches will be especially tough,''
Wiese, a leading pundit, told The Rugby Paper. “They mark the start to the Springboks' defence of the World Cup in France next year. With so many outstanding youngsters coming through, the competition for places is huge.
Roos, in particular, is a massive talent. “Everyone will want to give his best right from the word go. There will be no let up at any stage during the three matches. There will be no holding back for the simple reason that it's not in the nature of the beast.
“That 's why it's going to be an uphill battle for the Welsh. They will be up against a team in form with a lot of young blood at their disposal.
“Wales will have to be at their best. Most important of all, they will have to match the physicality of the Boks' pack which won't be easy. If they perform well in the opening Test, that will give them a big psychological boost.
“If they don't, it could turn out bad for them. Test rugby starts and ends up front. I've never seen a team win a Test match when they've been beaten in the set-piece.
“South Africa has so much strength in depth that in most positions there are five, six, even seven players who are good enough to play for the Boks. The venue for the first Test, Loftus in Pretoria, is daunting stadium for the best of teams.
“It can be a brutal place if you're not up to it. I hope that isn't the case because I love the Welsh people and the passion they bring to the game. Playing Wales in Cardiff and the crowd singing Bread of Heaven is an incredible experience.
“I played my last international match there in 1996 and that was the realization of a childhood dream. I got hooked on rugby as a schoolboy when we were shown a video clip of that famous Barbarians' try against New Zealand in 1973.
“We watched it over and over again. Phil Bennett was unbelievable and there has been a lot of sadness over here at his passing. What he did in setting up that try at the Arms Park inspired me to take the game seriously.
“From then on I kept telling myself: ‘I want to play in Wales one day'.”
On Wales' chances Wiese adds: “I don't want to sound degrading because Wales means so much to me but there's no getting away from the reality that three Tests on three consecutive Saturdays will be a very tall order.''
