Warren Gatland is increasingly being seen as the scapegoat for the struggles of Welsh rugby. While it's clear that the Kiwi coach isn't maximizing the potential of the current Wales team, his troubled tenure may ultimately compel the nation to confront the deeper issues at play. Just over two years ago, a Wales team that bears a striking resemblance to the one set to take the field this Saturday achieved a remarkable feat by defeating the Springboks 13-12 in Bloemfontein. Under the guidance of then-coach Wayne Pivac and captain Dan Biggar, they became the first Welsh side to win in South Africa—a feat that had eluded many strong Welsh teams for six decades. They could have even clinched the series, but a narrow loss in the first Test at Loftus Versfeld, where they fell 32-29 due to a last-minute penalty from Damian Willemse, thwarted their chances. However, Wales has experienced a dramatic decline in a short span. This time last year, they were leading Argentina 10-6 at halftime in the World Cup quarter-finals, only to lose 29-17. Since then, they have not secured a victory in any Test match, apart from a non-competitive end-of-season clash against the Barbarians. This streak has now reached 11 consecutive defeats, and many anticipate it will extend to 12 following their upcoming match against South Africa. The odds heavily favor the Springboks, reflecting the pervasive sense of despair surrounding Welsh rugby at this moment. Gatland's position as head coach is increasingly scrutinized, and while he may not be solely responsible for the team's current woes, his leadership is under the microscope as Welsh rugby grapples with its challenges.

Rassie Erasmus, the head coach of South Africa, anticipates an aerial assault from England as they prepare for their upcoming match. He has noted the selection of England's Ollie Lawrence, which aligns with his expectations for the struggling team. The Springboks made significant changes, with 12 new players from the squad that recently triumphed over Scotland. Erasmus revealed that the team was selected three weeks ago during a training camp in Jersey, and he believes that England's performances against New Zealand and Australia have only reinforced his initial assessments. The two narrow defeats have likely intensified the pressure on England, a situation Erasmus is familiar with from his own experiences. “When you lose two games, even if it’s by a point or due to a last-minute try, the pressure begins to mount,” Erasmus explained. “I’ve been in that position before, and I understand how quickly it can affect you. In such circumstances, teams often revert to their tried-and-true strategies.”