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Cape Town - While admitting it would be tough, Wales assistant coach Rob Howley believes he has found a blueprint on how to beat the Springboks when the teams clash in Cardiff on November 9.
The former Wales scrumhalf was at Ellis Park last weekend to watch the All Blacks beat the Springboks 38-27 to defend their Rugby Championship title.
Howley was impressed by what he witnessed and has warned his charges about the dangers the Springboks will pose, but nevertheless felt he gained more insight on how to beat the Boks.
In an interview with the Wales Online website, Howley said the trip was really informative and important for their preparation.
“The intensity of last Saturday’s game showed that, especially with the amount of time the ball was in play.
“Nine tries were scored, and New Zealand came back really impressively in the second half. They managed to negate South Africa’s driving lineout and that gave them the platform they were looking for.
“It was interesting to see how both sides managed the kicking game and the aerial battle. Being live at the game, it is not all about watching the ball but watching what players are doing off it as well and how they counter attack, so it was really useful."
After their Test against the Welsh, the Springboks also face Scotland in Edinburgh (November 17) and France in Paris (November 23).
The last time South Africa and Wales clashed was at the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand two years ago when the Boks won 17-16 in Wellington.
The Springboks hold a 24-1 winning record against Wales, with one match ending in a draw.
The former Wales scrumhalf was at Ellis Park last weekend to watch the All Blacks beat the Springboks 38-27 to defend their Rugby Championship title.
Howley was impressed by what he witnessed and has warned his charges about the dangers the Springboks will pose, but nevertheless felt he gained more insight on how to beat the Boks.
In an interview with the Wales Online website, Howley said the trip was really informative and important for their preparation.
“The intensity of last Saturday’s game showed that, especially with the amount of time the ball was in play.
“Nine tries were scored, and New Zealand came back really impressively in the second half. They managed to negate South Africa’s driving lineout and that gave them the platform they were looking for.
“It was interesting to see how both sides managed the kicking game and the aerial battle. Being live at the game, it is not all about watching the ball but watching what players are doing off it as well and how they counter attack, so it was really useful."
After their Test against the Welsh, the Springboks also face Scotland in Edinburgh (November 17) and France in Paris (November 23).
The last time South Africa and Wales clashed was at the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand two years ago when the Boks won 17-16 in Wellington.
The Springboks hold a 24-1 winning record against Wales, with one match ending in a draw.
