Verdict on the Wales team as big concern clear and new man parachuted into squad

To say Wales are up against it on Saturday would be an understatement.

An understrength Welsh team face the daunting prospect of taking on a Springboks side which includes the likes of Eben Etzebeth, Malcolm Marx, Pieter Steph du Toit and Ox Nche, among others. Wales on the other hand are missing over a dozen frontline players either through injury or unavailability.

Warren Gatland has included four uncapped players in his matchday 23, with Cardiff scrum-half Ellis Bevan given the nod to start at scrum-half. Gatland has always reiterated his desire to see Wales face the best sides in the world on a regular basis, but this Saturday is the rugby equivalent of climbing Mount Everest with one hand tied behind your back.

Rugby correspondent Steffan Thomas gives his verdict on the Wales side to face South Africa at Twickenham. You can see the full Wales team news here.

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Loss of Morgan a blow but not terminal

The loss of Rugby World Cup co-captain Jac Morgan, who also missed the entire Six Nations, is a blow, but it is not terminal. Yes, Morgan is an outstanding player and a natural leader of men but openside flanker is a position where Wales do have some genuine depth.

James Botham was very unlucky to miss out on the original squad having been in red hot form for Cardiff during the latter part of the season. The 26-year-old has a huge work rate and is an extremely physical player who rarely comes second best at the contact area.

His work at the breakdown is very good, while he offers Wales a genuine carrying option in the back-row and brings some much needed athleticism. Injury has prevented the Cardiff man from consistently holding down a place in the Wales squad but this is a golden opportunity for him to really lay down a marker.

Of course, Wales will also have Tommy Reffell available for the tour of Australia. Despite Wales finishing bottom of the Six Nations the Leicester Tigers star was outstanding for Wales during the championship and is one of the best exponents of the breakdown in European rugby.

Yes, Wales would much rather have Morgan available but this is an area where they have genuine quality to cover and the front five will be of far greater concern to Gatland. With regards leadership, don’t underestimate the return of Ospreys hooker Dewi Lake who is heavily respected by his teammates.

Lake leads by example and has previously had a real motivational effect on his teammates, while Dafydd Jenkins will return for the Australia tour.

Wales look to the future at nine

Most people would have expected to see the experienced Gareth Davies wearing the number nine shirt or, at a push, the Ospreys-bound Kieran Hardy. But among the many eyebrow-raising selections in Gatland’s matchday 23 to take on the world champions was the decision to start the uncapped Ellis Bevan at scrum-half.

It goes without saying this is the toughest challenge of Bevan’s career to date as he goes head-to-head with the experienced Faf de Klerk. But the success or otherwise of this experiment will depend on how the Wales pack front up against a ferocious Springboks eight.

If Wales lose the collisions and fail to get parity at the set-piece it will be a long day at the office for Bevan. More than anything the selection of Bevan is more a nod to Wales’ lack of strength in depth at scrum-half.

Gatland has also placed great stock in how players perform in training, and the talk is Bevan has been very impressive in this regard. Wales know what Gareth Davies and Kieran Hardy can do so this is an opportunity to see how Bevan performs in the pressure cooker of international rugby.

Bevan has impressed for Cardiff this season but is still a work in progress. Wales desperately need a new challenger to emerge at scrum-half to put pressure on the injured Tomos Williams and veteran Davies.

Bevan needs to concentrate on getting the basics right while his decision making under pressure needs to be spot on. Gatland has identified game management as an area which let Wales down during the Six Nations so there will be a big onus on Bevan and his half-back partner Sam Costelow to take the right options against the Springboks.

Front-five concern and a surprise name

Let’s not beat around the bush, South Africa will be licking their lips at the prospect of ripping into an inexperienced Wales front-five on Saturday. Second-row is a huge area of concern for Wales, with up to seven locks unavailable for the clash at Twickenham either through injury or the fact this Test match falls outside of World Rugby’s designated international window.

Expert statistician Russ Petty has worked out that Springboks lock Eben Etzebeth has won more international caps (119) than the entire Wales starting pack combined (118). That lack of experience, along with the lack of size and power in comparison to the South African pack, could really harm Wales on Saturday.

Due to the second-row crisis Gatland has given Dragons lock Matthew Screech a start. The 31-year-old will win just his second cap and his first in three years.

Screech has been a solid performer for the Dragons but it’s a big ask to expect him to make an impact against the likes of Etzebeth. The scrum will also be a big concern for Wales fans as well but they are at least boosted by the return of the experienced Henry Thomas.

If as expected South Africa obliterate the Wales front five then this could get ugly but equally it is an opportunity for certain players to prove they are up to international standard.

One interesting name in the matchday 23 was that of Ospreys second row/back row James Ratti, who wasn’t actually in the squad. He has been parachuted into the squad on Tuesday morning and will now make his debut from the bench. He’s a powerful player who has had an impressive season, but this will be a test like no other he has faced.

Confidence is key ahead of Australia tour

Despite suffering a first Six Nations whitewash in 21 years, Wales do have a chance of nicking a Test in Australia this summer. Rugby in Australia isn’t in a good place with Super Rugby outfit Melbourne Rebels getting axed, while the first Test in Sydney will be Joe Schmidt’s first game in charge of the Wallabies.

If Wales can sort out their game management and take their chances then they could catch Australia cold in Sydney. But on the flip side if they suffer a heavy defeat against South Africa then their confidence will take a hit.

Wales really need to dig in deep against the Springboks and given the strength of the South Africa side, this Saturday’s Test match is more about performance rather than the result for Gatland’s men. If they can just roll up their sleeves and keep the score respectful it will be a big confidence booster ahead of facing the Wallabies.

Yes, Wales aren’t great at the moment but Australia will be vulnerable. It will be an opportunity for Wales but don’t underestimate how a big defeat could hamper their chances.

The Springboks Test will also be a success if Wales can increase their depth. If someone like Ellis Bevan, Jacob Beetham or James Ratti acquit themselves well then the game will go down as a worthwhile exercise.