Gatland prepares Wales for physical battle
- 2073
Gatland prepares Wales for physical battle
Wales boss Warren Gatland has prepared his side for the intense physical battle that awaits in this weekend’s quarter-final against the Springboks.
The scrum will be a key battle, with Wales bringing back in Gethin Jenkins while South Africa have selected Frans Malherbe at tighthead prop ahead of Jannie du Plessis.
“They are an incredibly physical team up front. We have got to match them at scrum-time and in the driving line-out. I like the mix of their two young midfielders. They are exciting for the future. They have a good mix and a nice balance,” Gatland said.
"They have got over the shock of losing to Japan (in the pool stages) and that has galvanised them as a team and a squad. They are going to be a tough proposition.
“We have to scrummage well. With South Africa, they go back to what works for them: A strong scrum and an attacking line-out.
"The set piece is going to be pretty important for us.”
The scrum will be a key battle, with Wales bringing back in Gethin Jenkins while South Africa have selected Frans Malherbe at tighthead prop ahead of Jannie du Plessis.
“They are an incredibly physical team up front. We have got to match them at scrum-time and in the driving line-out. I like the mix of their two young midfielders. They are exciting for the future. They have a good mix and a nice balance,” Gatland said.
"They have got over the shock of losing to Japan (in the pool stages) and that has galvanised them as a team and a squad. They are going to be a tough proposition.
“We have to scrummage well. With South Africa, they go back to what works for them: A strong scrum and an attacking line-out.
"The set piece is going to be pretty important for us.”
