Lucky Maree
One of the greatest players of all time, former scrum-half, Gareth Edwards has joined the chorus of fans – mostly Welsh fans, of course – who believe South Africa have disrespected Wales.
Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber has made 14 changes to their run-on side for the second Test in Bloemfontein.
Edwards, a man with a reputation for being as cocky off the field as he ever was on it, has said: “I don’t think it shows respect for Wales and, looking logically, there is only one way for Wales to view it and that’s to give them a good tonking.”
He agreed South Africa had every right to prepare for the World Cup.
“But I would really like to know what their logic is in changing so many,” he said.
“I am not going to suggest for one minute that I know all that is right and wrong about the modern game, except that it is a pretty physically-demanding set-up and it is important that you do make changes.”
He said South Africa’s team selection does, to an extent, devalue the game.
“There is a lot at stake, but I think it takes a bit of an edge out of it. That is not Wales’ fault.”
Edwards’ comments in speaking to Planet Rugby in no way appeared to be aggressive and Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber responded with the same attitude when asked if it was acceptable to label the side as a B-team.
“I don’t think I will take offence,” the coach told Rugby365.
“However, I think Eben Etzebeth and Handré Pollard will take offence and so would some of the other players.”
He added that they picked this side because they think they can beat Wales and that’s the bottom line.
Once again, as in 2019, the Boks seem to be stepping up through the gears in an orderly and constructive way, keeping the 2023 World Cup in mind.
Can this current team beat, say, the All Blacks? The answer is, probably not. The truth is it remains to be seen if they can even beat Australia. But they are not playing the All Blacks or Australia. They are playing Wales and this team was selected as the team that should beat Wales.
If this Springbok team is a ‘B’ team then it is a great opportunity for Wales to get onto the winning track. That would certainly prove something. But it would certainly tell you something about Welsh rugby if they can’t beat this ‘B’ team!
Sir Gareth, if you expect the Welsh team to be treated like the All Blacks, then they must play like the All Blacks. You were never nominated to be a great player. You proved yourself on the rugby pitch by playing 53 consecutive games for Wales and scoring 20 international tries … and then you became a great player.
Sorry, Sir Gareth. You don’t demand respect, you earn it.
Image source: @TheIndependent
