Siya Kolisi backs Wales v South Africa fixture amid debate

Autumn international: Wales v South Africa takes place at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff as the 2025 calendar closes. The match is staged outside the regular international window, triggering debate about its purpose and the players involved.

Kolisi defends the fixture

Springboks captain Siya Kolisi argues the game matters, saying top level tests are how teams measure progress. He notes that if teams want to improve, they must test themselves against the best, and that Wales will gain valuable lessons regardless of the result.

Wales are without 13 players who typically play in England or France, but Kolisi sees this as a chance for others to step forward and gain experience. He stresses that when first choice players are not available, others must fill the gap and grow, making this week a real opportunity for the Welsh squad.

Should fixtures outside the window count

Rassie Erasmus, the Springboks coach, backs Kolisi’s view on the value of such matches. The Welsh Rugby Union argues that tests against world class teams help development, and the fixture can raise funds for Welsh rugby. Still, opinions differ, with critics among former Wales players and concerns from some clubs about clashes with URC schedules.

Depth comparison: Springboks vs Wales

The depth gap is clear: Erasmus can call on a matchday squad with far more caps than Wales, who have a smaller tally. The Springboks bench carries more experience than Wales’ entire 23, reflecting their plan to lean on a strong forward pack. Several big-name Springboks are rested, while the squad includes captain Kolisi alongside players like Jasper Wiese, Damian de Allende, Damian Willemse and rising fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu; Eben Etzebeth and Bongi Mbonambi are among the reserves. Erasmus has named seven forwards on the bench, with Cobus Reinach the only back cover. This setup means Wales will face a potent 15 forward onslaught for the full 80 minutes, with the famous Bomb Squad likely to arrive later in the game.

What would count as success for Wales

Despite the odds, there is cautious optimism among home supporters after last weekend's defeat to New Zealand, when Wales showed flashes of attacking intent and scored four tries, including a hat-trick by Tom Rogers against the All Blacks. Kolisi warns that Wales should not be underestimated and that the team will grow through tough tests. He notes the long history between the teams and says respect is essential, adding that arrogance would be a mistake and that Welsh fans remain supportive.

Line-ups and officials

Wales: Murray, Mee, Roberts, Hawkins, Dyer; Edwards, Hardy; G Thomas, Lake (capt), Assiratti, Carter, R Davies, Plumtree, Mann, Wainwright.

Replacements: Coghlan, Southworth, Coleman, Ratti, Morse, Morgan-Williams, Sheedy, B Thomas.

South Africa: D Willemse, Hooker, De Allende, Esterhuizen, Moodie; Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Van der Berg; Steenekamp, Grobbelaar, Louw, Kleyn, Nortje, Kolisi (capt), Mostert, Wiese.

Replacements: Mbonambi, Porthen, Ntlabakanye, Etzebeth, Van Staden, Dixon, Smith, Reinach.

Referee: Luc Ramos (France).Assistant referees: Matthew Carley (England), Pierre Brousset (France).TMO: Eric Gauzins (France).FPRO: Andrew Jackson (England).

Expert commentary

Analysts say fixtures outside the usual calendar can broaden player development and strengthen a squad’s depth. The Welsh team will gain valuable experience from the test, even if the result is uncertain.

Summary

Siya Kolisi defends the value of the Wales v South Africa clash, arguing it helps teams improve by testing themselves against the best. Wales faces a formidable Springboks lineup and a demanding bench, but the game offers a chance to prove resilience and build depth for future tests. The debate over scheduling continues, with supporters hoping for a positive outcome on the field. The match may shape opinions on future autumn fixtures.

Key insight: High-quality matches outside the regular calendar can drive development for emerging teams by challenging them against the world’s best. BBC Sport