The South Africa class of 2026 are the undisputed number one in world rugby.
The confidence is evident with Rassie Erasmus naming his team on Monday, making 10 changes to his starting side.
South Africa include four uncapped players, one of whom, 20-year-old fly-half Vusi Moyo, is the headline act.
Sharks duo Moyo and winger Jaco Williams make debuts at their home stadium, alongside Montpellier lock Ruben van Heerden and Bordeaux tight-head prop Carlu Sadie, who has battled back from breaking his neck in January 2025.
Moyo, who becomes South Africa’s youngest fly-half and has played just one game for his club, can be brought in with confidence because of the experience around him.
He is flanked either side by centres Damian de Allende and Jessie Kriel and scrum-half Cobus Reinach.
The strength in depth is frightening, with Etzebeth, Franco Mostert, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Andre Esterhuizen, Canan Moodie, Handre Pollard and Ox Nche unavailable because of injury.
Lock is the main concern with Etzebeth and Mostert joined on the casualty list by Lood de Jager, RG Snyman, Jean Kleyn, Salmaan Moerat and Riley Norton, but the Springboks can still cope.
Flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit again captains the side in the absence of Siya Kolisi, while the bench is packed with quality such as Manie Libbok, Willemse and Herschel Jantjies.
Erasmus has promised to rotate and only du Toit, flanker Paul de Villiers and Kriel have started all three games for the Springboks in this campaign as South Africa look to build on wins against England and Scotland.
The policy, which relies on a deep player pool, works as Erasmus’ side are aiming for an 11th straight Test win.
He is the master planner, with the four-Test series against New Zealand in August and September and next year’s World Cup looming on the horizon.
Despite the gap between South Africa and Wales, the attitude towards the tourists this week has been one of respect.
The home coach and players have lined up to highlight the character of their opponents and Welsh improvements under Tandy.
