Wales coach Warren Gatland says four consecutive Test wins this month would be a big boost for his side ahead of the 2019 Six Nations.
Having beaten Scotland, Australia and Tonga, Wales will go into Saturday’s match against the Springboks in Cardiff looking for a clean sweep.
‘We have had some good success over South Africa in recent years, so it will be important for us to build on that,’ Gatland said. ‘It would be nice to have a clean sweep in the autumn and start thinking about the Six Nations.’
Gatland did concede that facing ‘an improving Springboks’ will be Wales’ toughest challenge during this Test window.
‘South Africa are in a good space at the moment. They are getting some consistency in their game and getting used to Rassie Erasmus’ coaching methods. They’ve gone back to their traditional rugby.
‘Looking at the way they have been playing, it is like watching the South Africa of old. They have big, physical players and have gone more direct. I have no doubt that is what will be coming on Saturday.
‘They just fell short against England, but their win over New Zealand in the Rugby Championship showed how good they can be. They should have beaten the All Blacks a second time too.’
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Gatland believes the Boks will be desperate to end their three-match losing streak to Wales.
‘I still speak to the South African players and I know they will be very, very up for it in Cardiff after their last few results there. They will be a different beast to the team that played in the USA.’
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— SA Rugby magazine (@SARugbymag) November 20, 2018
Photo: www.wru.co.uk
