While South Africa is touring Europe this fall, a future opponent fears the Springboks so much that he suggests not playing the match.
There is reason to quiver with impatience at the idea of the clash between the XV of France and South Africa, Saturday evening, at the Stade de France. On the other hand, there is an opponent who is much less happy to welcome the world champions.
The Springboks began their European tour with a 61-7 defeat to Japan. This will end on November 29 in Wales, where we fear the worst for the Leek XV. And for good reason. Already Welsh rugby is not dashing, with a wooden spoon during the last Tournament and a sad 12th place in the World Rugby rankings. But in addition we will have to face the Boks with a very weakened team.
This late test match is placed outside the official World Rugby international window, which explains why the French XV will not play that weekend. The Welsh, thus, will have to do without all their elements playing in England, which represents a dozen important players including Tomos Williams (Gloucester), or the child prodigy Louis Rees-Zammit, returning to rugby (in Bristol) after having tried the adventure in the NFL.
Better not to play against South Africa…
Former Welsh international, Richie Rees recommends his team to withdraw. “I think we have to weigh the pros and cons,
told the former Cardiff coach on the BBC.
For me, this match against South Africa not worth playing. We will miss a lot of players against the best team in the world. »
The picture is even more complex when we recall the fact that the four Welsh clubs involved in the United Rugby Championship (the former Celtic League) also play on the weekend of November 29. Result, the Leek XV shoots itself in the foot. “NWe are losers, deplores Richie Rees.
Are we giving these players the means to succeed, or not? At some point, someone will have to ask themselves: is playing this match going to be more detrimental to the group and our place in Welsh rugby than simply not having a match? »
