SA v Wales: A Test the sport – and both teams – need

This evening’s one-off rugby Test between the Springboks and Wales in Washington DC, US, has been slammed far and wide as a money-grabbing exercise.

Former Welsh captain Gwyn Jones this week went as far as calling it a “shambles” which “devalues international rugby”. Others have questioned the timing of the Test, especially in an era where there is probably too much rugby week-in and week-out. And diluting Tests with so-called “B-teams” doesn’t help.

New Zealand-born and experienced Welsh head coach Warren Gatland was quick to hit back at the critics, saying “if anyone has come out and criticised this match, they’re completely ill-informed in terms of how important it is for the long term”.

“I think you would have to be someone with a chip on your shoulder or be pretty bitter and twisted to criticise this match because I see it as absolutely vital in terms of our long-term planning for 2019,” he said.

“It’s about creating depth and replicating conditions that are going to be very much the same in Japan. Playing in a different situation, a different culture, travelling, and putting ourselves out of our comfort zone all make for a really important stepping stone for us.”

Lock Pieter-Steph du Toit will lead an inexperienced Springbok outfit as new head coach Rassie Erasmus is involved in his first Test in charge of the national team. There are seven new caps in the starting 15 for the green and gold, while a further six uncapped players are on the bench. The Boks, under new captain Siya Kolisi, will play at home against England in three Tests later this month.

Money-grabbing claims aside, the Rugby World Cup in Japan is just more than a year away. Since South Africa’s third-place finish at the 2015 World Cup in England, they have not enjoyed a good run. We are none the wiser as to which players will represent South Africa next year, and which combinations Erasmus will use.

Gatland has a point. By exposing different players to different conditions, it can only help in preparing for the World Cup.

It might be baby steps but let’s hope tonight’s match gives answers to some of the many questions facing Springbok rugby at the moment.

The sport needs it.

For more news your way, follow The Citizen on Facebook and Twitter.