Siya Kolisi has an interesting take on Warren Gatland's Wales future

South Africa’s World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi says he feels for Wales amid their long run of Test match defeats.

But Kolisi has also backed them to get out of the situation, with under-pressure head coach Warren Gatland the person to do it.

The Springboks are widely expected to inflict a 12th successive Test loss on Wales in Saturday’s Autumn Nations Series clash, a sequence that stretches back to the 2023 World Cup.

Ben Earl on England’s string of close losses | RPTV

England’s number eight reflects on the 95 points conceded over the last three games. Visit RugbyPass TV for more of this type of content.

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Ben Earl on England’s string of close losses | RPTV

England’s number eight reflects on the 95 points conceded over the last three games. Visit RugbyPass TV for more of this type of content.

Watch now

In contrast, South Africa arrive in Cardiff as world champions and Rugby Championship title holders.

South Africa have beaten Scotland and England during the autumn campaign and there are well over a dozen World Cup winners in their matchday 23 as they target an 11th win from 13 starts this year.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

0

Draws

0

Wins

5

Average Points scored

11

48

First try wins

100%

Home team wins

40%

“Nobody trains to lose,” Kolisi said. “I definitely feel for them.

“I know they will get out of it. If anyone can get them out of it, it’s coach Gatland.

“I have not seen a Welsh team with so many young players. It takes time. They are playing a lot of games that will give them experience.

“That is what we are trying to do with our group. The more games they play, the better they will get.”

South Africa, meanwhile, have been forced into a change with lock Jean Kleyn withdrawing from the starting line-up due to a minor injury and being replaced by 130 times-capped Eben Etzebeth.

Etzebeth had been due to be among the replacements, with Marco van Staden now taking over from him among South Africa’s bench cover.

Kolisi added: “We want to make sure we get a better performance. In the last few games we’ve got the win, but not a complete performance.

“Last week (against England) we had a lot of plans, but didn’t do them. The focus is on us.

“The outside accolades and what people say about us we can’t really control. Our sole focus is on what we can do as a team.

“We should really enjoy this period, because we have been there in the past when it has not gone so well.

“I am really grateful to be part of this group. Ten of us have played together since we were 19 years old.”