The Springboks campaign will begin in July when they tackle Wales in a series of three Tests in South Africa.

The Welsh didn't get their season off to a great start by finishing second from the bottom in the Six Nations this year. While the Welsh only managed to win one of their five Tests, they did push hard on a couple of occasions.

The Springbok coach, Jacques Nienaber, warned that the Welsh will be a lot tougher in South Africa and he used the example of the Six Nations champions, France’s 13-9 win over Wayne Pivac’s charges as an example of the fighting spirit that Wales possess.

“At half time it was 10-9 and then they ended up winning that game 13-9. For the last 70-minutes that quality French side could only score three points.

“To me that amplifies the spirit of the Welsh team. They are a tough team and instil it will be a grind. We must make sure that we get our ducks in a row for them.”

While Wales have done well against the Springboks at home in recent years they have never been able to beat the reigning world champions in a series in South Africa.

The first 1st Test between the Boks and Wales will be played on 2 July at Loftus Versfeld, the 2nd a week later in Bloemfontein and the 3rd Test will be played in Cape Town.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport